idiom
|id-i-om|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈɪdiəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪdɪəm/
figurative expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'idiom' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'idiōma,' where 'idio-' meant 'personal' or 'private.'
Historical Evolution
'idiōma' transformed into the Latin word 'idioma,' and eventually became the modern English word 'idiom' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a private or peculiar phrase,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a phrase with a figurative meaning.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the words in it.
The phrase 'kick the bucket' is an idiom meaning 'to die'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41