26984 words

language

13 definitions • 29 examples
1
a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar:

Examples:

She does research into how children acquire language.
This type of parent-child interaction is associated with language learning in infancy.
2
a system of communication used by people living in a particular country:

Examples:

Do you speak any foreign languages?"
the English language
3

Examples:

4
the way that someone speaks or writes, for example, the kind of words and phrases that they use:

Examples:

No one wants to hear foul language coming from the mouths of children.
In interviews, he was fond of flowery language.
He said some of the language appeared inflammatory and biased.
5
the special words and phrases used by people who do a particular type of work:

Examples:

legal/technical language
the language of business
6

Examples:

My mother wouldn't let us watch it because of the language.
Less of that language, please!
7
a system of communication by speaking, writing, or making signs in a way that can be understood, or any of the different systems of communication used in particular regions:

Examples:

[ C ] the English language
[ C ] American Sign Language
[ C ] He speaks six foreign languages.
[ U ] Her language skills are excellent.
8
Language is also a particular type of expression:

Examples:

[ U ] beautiful language
[ U ] foul language (= offensive words)
9
10
the method of human communication that uses speaking and writing, or the system of communication in speaking and writing that is used by the people of a particular country:

Examples:

learn/understand a language It's easier to learn a language when you're younger.
speak/use a language 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Many British people speak no foreign languages.
in a language Business deals often go more smoothly if you can speak to people in their own language.
Too many children leave school with poor language skills, unable to compose a letter or email.
11
a particular style of speaking or writing, for example, one that is used by the people doing a particular job:

Examples:

When you are giving instructions, make sure you use language that everyone can understand.
the language of sth They speak the language of international finance.
12
written instructions, for example, rules and symbols, given to a computer so it can understand what the user wants it to do:

Examples:

This version of the UNIX language serves as a software platform for computer programs.
13
to understand someone because you have the same way of thinking about things, or of doing things:

Examples:

Our businesses complement each other, and we speak the same language.

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