idiomatic
UK: ˌɪd.i.əˈmæt.ɪk | US: ˌɪd.i.əˈmæt̬.ɪk
adj. characteristic of or peculiar to a particular language or dialect
adj. using expressions natural to a native speaker
adj. relating to idioms or their structure
The word "idiomatic" derives from the Greek "idiōmatikos," meaning "peculiar to a language." The root "idiom" originates from Greek "idiōma" (private property, peculiar phrase), from "idios" (one's own, private). The suffix "-atic" (via Latin "-aticus") forms adjectives, indicating a relationship to the root. Over time, "idiomatic" evolved to describe language use that feels natural to native speakers, reflecting cultural and linguistic nuances.
Her English is fluent and idiomatic, with no trace of foreign influence.
The translator struggled to capture the idiomatic expressions in the novel.
"Hit the hay" is an idiomatic phrase meaning "go to bed."
Non-native speakers often find idiomatic usage challenging to master.
The dialogue sounded unnatural because it lacked idiomatic phrasing.