CultureAugust 24, 2026

idiolect

ID-ee-oh-lekt

Definition

The unique, personal variation of a language or speech pattern that is characteristic of a specific individual.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'idios' (meaning 'private' or 'peculiar') and 'lektos' (meaning 'speech' or 'dialect'), this term was coined in the mid-20th century to describe an individual's specific linguistic usage.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how Jane Austen gave her characters distinct ways of speaking, which helps reveal their unique personalities and core ideas.

Seeing People Clearly: Lessons from Jane Austen

Read the full article ↗

The Objective Standard

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