dialect
Definitions
A form of a language particular to a region or social group, differing in vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation.
方言（某地区或群体特有、在词汇语法或发音上有别的语言变体）。
Root Breakdown
Root-deriveddia- (across, between) + lect (here Greek legein, 'to speak/choose words') = 'a way of speaking among a particular group.' Note: this 'lect' enters through Greek dialektos, a cousin of Latin legere — the shared idea is 'picking words / speaking.' A dialect is the distinct word-choice and speech of one community.
Root lect still carries 128 more wordsWhy It Means This
Dialect comes from Greek dialektos — dia- ('between') + legein ('to speak,' the Greek cousin of Latin legere 'to pick/read'). The original idea was 'conversation, the way a group talks among themselves.' Greek legein and Latin legere both descend from one ancient root meaning 'to gather/pick,' which is why 'choosing words,' 'reading,' and 'speaking' all cluster around the same -lect- shape.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She speaks the local dialect with her grandparents.
- 2.
Many regional dialects are slowly dying out.