What does dialectal mean?
Dialectal is an adjective used chiefly in linguistics to describe anything pertaining to a dialect — that is, a regional or social variety of a language with its own distinctive vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. A linguist might study dialectal variation across a country, noting how speakers in different areas use different words or pronunciations for the same thing. The word also labels forms that belong only to particular varieties rather than the standard language: a dictionary may mark an entry as 'dialectal' when a word is heard mainly in one region. Dialectal is a neutral, scholarly term; it describes rather than judges, though care is needed because lay usage sometimes implies inferiority. It should not be confused with 'dialectical', which concerns logical argument and the clash of ideas. Related terms include dialect, dialectology (the systematic study of dialects), and dialectally.
adjectiveRelating to or characteristic of a dialect, especially a regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Also used to describe words, forms, or features that occur only in particular regional varieties rather than in the standard language.
- Of or relating to a dialect of a language.
- (Linguistics) Occurring only in certain regional or social varieties of a language rather than in the standard form.
"The novel is rich in dialectal expressions drawn from the author's rural upbringing."
"Dialectal variation within the country makes some rural speech hard for outsiders to follow."
"The word 'bairn' is dialectal, common in northern England and Scotland but rare elsewhere."
Every language is really a bundle of dialects wearing a suit — and 'dialectal' is the word linguists use to point at the seams.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dialectal
Dialectal derives from 'dialect', which entered English from French dialecte, ultimately from Greek dialektos, meaning 'conversation' or 'manner of speaking', formed from dialegesthai ('to converse'), itself built on legein ('to speak'). The adjective was formed by adding the Latinate suffix -al, and has been in use since at least the early modern period. It shares its Greek root with related terms such as dialectic and dialogue, all of which concern speaking or discourse.
Related word forms
How dialectal is actually used
A formal or technical term used chiefly in linguistics and academic writing; it carries no negative connotation itself, though describing someone's speech as 'merely dialectal' can sound dismissive. Preferred over the older term 'dialectical', which is now generally reserved for matters of logic and philosophical argument.
Easily confused with dialectal
Dialectic refers to logical argumentation or the resolution of opposing ideas through reasoned discussion, while dialectal refers to regional varieties of a language.