English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Colloquial Pronunciation
Colloquial is pronounced kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl, IPA /kəˈloʊkwiəl/.
kuh-LOH-kwee-uhl
US /kəˈloʊkwiəl/ · UK /kəˈləʊkwɪəl/
Syllables: kuh · LOH · kwee · uhl (4 syllables, stress on syllable 2)
adjective: Used in ordinary conversation rather than in formal writing or speech.
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Colloquial in a Sentence
- Kids is colloquial, children is neutral.
- The book is written in a deliberately colloquial style.
- He peppers his lectures with colloquial asides.
Common Mispronunciations of Colloquial
Not KAH-loh-kwee-uhl
Strike the second beat, LOH, and open with a quick kuh. The spelling tempts speakers to start heavy because of colour and college.
Not kuh-LOH-kee-uhl
The qu carries a w sound, giving kwee rather than kee.
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