# language

Pronunciation: say "LANG-gwij" /ˈlæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/

## Noun

1. A body of words, together with the rules for combining them, shared by a community and used to communicate.
   - Simple: A system of words and grammar that a group of people use to communicate with each other.
   - _Each language has its own rules for forming sentences._
   - _Many endangered languages have fewer than a thousand speakers._
2. The particular words chosen in a speech or piece of writing, and the manner or style of expression they create.
   - Simple: The words someone chooses and the way they say or write something.
   - _The report's language was vague and full of jargon._
   - _Critics praised the vivid language throughout the novel._
3. A formal system of commands and syntax used to program a computer.
   - Simple: A set of words and rules used to write computer programs.
   - _The team chose a functional language for the new project._
   - _Older systems were programmed in low-level languages close to the hardware._
4. The capacity to communicate by means of words.
   - Simple: The human power to use words to share ideas with others.
   - _The development of language in early childhood fascinates researchers._
   - _Damage to certain parts of the brain can impair language permanently._
5. The communication of meaning in a specified way; anything that conveys a message the way words do.
   - Simple: Any way of getting meaning across, the way words do but without actual words.
   - _Architects speak of the language of light and shadow in a building._
   - _Dance became her language when words failed her._
6. Profane or offensive words, especially swearing or cursing.
   - Simple: Rude or offensive words, especially swearing.
   - _The referee penalized him for foul language during the match._
   - _She apologized for her language after the argument._
7. The slang of a particular community, or the jargon of a specialist field.
   - Simple: The special words used by one group of people or in one job.
   - _Legal language can be impenetrable to those outside the profession._
   - _Every trade develops a language of its own over time._
9. A body of sounds, signs, or signals by which animals communicate, and which plants are sometimes thought to use as well.
   - Simple: The sounds, signs or signals that animals, and perhaps plants, use to communicate.
   - _Researchers debate whether birdsong counts as a true language._
   - _The chemical language of certain plants can warn neighbors of danger._

## Interjection

8. A sharp reproof directed at someone using vulgar or offensive words, roughly meaning "mind your words."
   - Simple: Something you say to tell someone to stop swearing.
   - _"Language!" the teacher warned as the boy started to curse._
   - _Every time he cursed at dinner, his grandmother muttered, "Language."_

## Other meanings

- (verb) To communicate or express something by means of words.
- (noun) A flat plate, also called a languet, set in or below the flue pipe of an organ.

## Origin

This word came through Middle English langage and Old French language from Vulgar Latin *linguāticum, based on Latin lingua ('tongue, speech, language'). Lingua traces back through Old Latin dingua to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'tongue, speech'. It displaced the native Old English word ġeþēode.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/language (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).