Idiomatic
/ˌɪd.iˈɒ.mæt.ɪk/noun
Relating to or having the nature of an idiom; peculiar to a particular language or dialect.
Did you know?The term 'idiomatic' stems from the Greek word 'idioma', meaning 'special feature', highlighting how unique expressions can carry powerful cultural meanings.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἰδιομάτης (idiomátēs)
“Belonging to oneself; private or personal.”
Latin
Latin
idiomaticus
“Relating to a particular language or dialect.”
Late Middle English
Middle English
idiomatic
“Pertaining to a manner of speaking or expression particular to a language.”
Modern English
English
idiomatic
“Describing phrases or expressions that have a meaning not deducible from the individual words.”
Explore more surprising origins