idiom

• Nom désignant une expression figée ou une locution dont le sens ne peut être déduit de la signification littérale de ses éléments, ou le style caractéristique d'une langue ou d'un art.

A noun referring to a fixed expression or phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definitions of its individual words, or to a characteristic style of language or art.

1. Natural manner of speakingB2formal

   A way of speaking that is natural and typical for native speakers of a particular language.

   Façon de parler naturelle

   • She speaks English fluently and uses the local idiom naturally.
   • Understanding the idiom of a language helps you sound more like a native speaker.
   • His writing captures the idiom of everyday conversation.

   Synonymesdialectlanguageparlancespeechtonguevernacular

2. Group-specific vocabularyB2formal

   The vocabulary or usage that is characteristic of a particular group of people, such as a profession or region.

   Idiotisme de groupe

   • The medical idiom includes many terms that are unfamiliar to patients.
   • Legal idiom can be difficult for non-lawyers to understand.
   • The idiom of the youth culture changes rapidly.

   Synonymesargotcantjargonlingoparlancevernacular

3. Artistic styleC1formal

   The distinctive style of a particular artist, school, or movement.

   Style artistique

   • The painter developed a unique visual idiom over his career.
   • The architectural idiom of the Bauhaus school is minimalist and functional.
   • Her musical idiom blends classical and jazz influences.

   Synonymesapproachexpressionformlanguagemannermodestyletechniquevocabulary

4. Non-literal expressionB1formal

   An expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words.

   expression idiomatique

   • The idiom 'kick the bucket' means to die, not to kick a bucket.
   • Learning idioms is essential for understanding everyday English.
   • She explained the idiom 'spill the beans' as revealing a secret.

   Synonymescolloquialismexpressionfigure of speechlocutionphraseset phraseturn of phrase