Idiom – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Idiom is a noun in English. It refers to a phrase or expression whose meaning is understood as a whole, not by interpreting each word literally.
Meaning:
An idiom is a familiar expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the individual words alone. When you hear an idiom, you usually need the overall phrase to understand what it communicates.
Definition:
Idioms are commonly used in everyday speech and writing to express ideas more vividly or concisely. They often reflect culture, history, and social habits, which is why the same idea may be expressed differently across languages or regions.
For example, the expression “kick the bucket” means “to die,” and it does not describe literally kicking a bucket.
The word idiom comes from Greek roots meaning “one’s own” or “peculiar style”, and it entered English centuries ago as the study of language and translation expanded.
Example Sentences:
- The teacher explained the idiom “kick the bucket” to the students during vocabulary class.
- In our conversation, we used several idioms to make the story sound more natural and engaging.
- She was surprised by how an idiom can change the tone of everyday speech.
- Learning an idiom in a new language can be tricky because the meaning is usually not literal.
- He often uses the idiom “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” to encourage practical decision-making.
- When writing a formal email, avoid idioms if your audience might prefer straightforward language.
- The coach said “break a leg”, which is an idiom used to wish someone good luck.
Idiom Synonyms:
Idiom Antonyms:
- Literal language
- Explicit statement
- Direct speech
- Plain language
- Straightforward expression
- Income
- About
- Poem
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