plural
languages
plural
languages
Britannica Dictionary definition of LANGUAGE
1
a
[noncount]
:
the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other
—
often used before another noun
-
language acquisition
-
language skills
—
see also body language
b
[count]
:
any one of the systems of human language that are used and understood by a particular group of people
-
the English language
-
How many languages do you speak?
-
a foreign language
-
French is her first/native language.
-
The book has been translated into several languages.
-
He's learning English as a second language.
-
After a few days in France, I realized that I didn't know the language [=I didn't know the French language] as well as I had thought.
-
a new word that has recently entered the language
-
a language instructor/teacher
-
foreign language classes
-
A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages]
—
see also sign language
2
[noncount]
:
words of a particular kind
-
the formal language of the report
-
the beauty of Shakespeare's language
-
She expressed her ideas using simple and clear language.
-
He is always careful in his use of language.
-
bad/foul/obscene/strong/vulgar language
-
You'd better watch your language [=be careful about the words you use] when you're talking to her.
3
[noncount]
:
the words and expressions used in a particular activity or by a particular group of people
4
[count]
:
a system of signs and symbols that is used to control a computer
5
[count]
:
a system of sounds or movements by which animals communicate with each other
speak/talk the same language
:
to understand each other well because of shared ideas and feelings