linguistically
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lɪŋɡwˈɪstɪkli/
US
- /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪkli/
Description
- in terms of language
- from a language point of view
- in a way related to language
"Linguistically" means in a way that relates to language. It is used when you want to look at something from the angle of words, grammar, meaning, pronunciation, or the differences between languages. For example, two sentences might sound similar emotionally but be linguistically very different, or two countries might be close geographically but linguistically distant. The word helps shift attention from the topic itself to the way language is being used.
The word "linguistically" is an adverb connected to language and the study of language. When you use it, you are saying that something should be understood from the point of view of language: its words, structure, sounds, meaning, or use in real life. It often appears when people compare languages, study speech or writing, or explain how meaning is carried through wording.
Think about a political debate: two answers may seem similar politically, but linguistically one may be clearer, softer, or more careful in its wording. Or think about a classroom, where two children may understand the same idea but express it linguistically in very different ways. The word is also common in comparisons, as when people say that two communities are linguistically close or that a region is linguistically diverse.
It can refer to many parts of language, including dialects, slang, grammar, tone, and the small differences that change meaning from one context to another. A historian might read old letters linguistically to notice how people spoke in another time. A teacher might examine a student's answer linguistically to see whether the grammar matches the intended meaning. A company might even test a product name linguistically before using it in different countries.
In short, "linguistically" is useful whenever the main question is not just what is being said, but how language itself works in that situation. It signals that the focus is on language as a system and as a human tool.
Examples
- 1
Regional difference
The two regions are close on the map, but they are very different linguistically.
- 2
Student diversity
The school serves a linguistically diverse group of students.
- 3
Language family
English and Dutch are linguistically related, though they no longer sound very similar.
- 4
Translation
Linguistically speaking, the slogan is clever, but it may not translate well.
Phrase
linguistically speaking
looking only at the language side of something
- 5
Literary style
The poem is simple linguistically, but emotionally complex.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- linguisticallyadverb