vernacular
UK: vəˈnækjʊlə | US: vərˈnækjələr
n. the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people of a country or region
adj. (of language) native or indigenous; not literary or formal
vernacular = vernacul<domestic, native> + ar<adjective suffix>
- vernacul: Derived from Latin vernaculus ("domestic, native"), from verna ("home-born slave, native").
- ar: A suffix forming adjectives, often of Latin origin (e.g., similar, regular).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin verna, referring to a slave born in the master's household, implying something native or local. Over time, vernaculus evolved to describe language tied to a place or group. English adopted it in the 17th century to denote everyday speech, contrasting with formal or literary language. The shift from "native slave" to "native tongue" reflects how language roots often embed social history.
The poet used vernacular expressions to connect with rural audiences.
Vernacular architecture varies greatly across regions.
Scholars study vernacular dialects to understand cultural identity.
His speech switched from formal Latin to the local vernacular.
The book captures the vibrant vernacular of 19th-century London.