locution

UK: /ləˈkjuːʃ(ə)n/ | US: /loʊˈkjuːʃ(ə)n/

Definition

  1. n. a particular form of expression; a phrase or idiom

  2. n. the style or manner of speaking or writing

Structure
locu <speak>tion <noun suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin loquī (to speak), the morpheme locu- preserves the original spelling and meaning. The suffix -tion (from Latin -tio) forms nouns indicating an action or result. Thus, locution literally means "the act or result of speaking," evolving to denote specific phrases or stylistic speech patterns.

Examples

  1. His formal locution made the speech sound archaic.

  2. The poet’s unique locution captivated the audience.

  3. Legal documents often use complex locutions.

  4. She studied the locutions of Shakespearean English.

  5. The phrase "raining cats and dogs" is an amusing locution.