Labels |
1. Words which are used only or mainly in one region or
country are marked:
|
BrE |
British English |
AmE |
American English |
AusE |
Australian English |
|
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2. Words which are used in a particular situation, or show
a particular attitude:
|
formal |
a word that is suitable for formal speech or writing, but would not normally be used in
ordinary conversation
|
informal |
a word or phrase that is used in normal conversation, but may not be suitable for use in
more formal contexts, for example in writing essays or business letters
|
humorous |
a word that is normally used in a joking way |
|
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3. Words which are used in a particular context or type of
language:
|
biblical |
a word that is used in the language of the Bible, and would sound old-fashioned to a
modern speaker
|
law |
a word with a technical meaning used by lawyers, in legal documents etc |
literary |
a word used mainly in English literature, and not in normal speech or writing |
medical |
a word or phrase that is more likely to be used by doctors than by ordinary people, and
that often has a more common equivalent
|
not polite |
a word or phrase that is considered rude, and that might offend some people |
old-fashioned |
a word that was commonly used in the past, but would sound old-fashioned today |
old use |
a word used in earlier centuries |
spoken |
a word or phrase used only, or nearly always, in conversation |
taboo |
a word that should not be used because it is very rude or offensive |
technical |
a word used by doctors, scientists and other specialists |
trademark |
a word that is the official name of a particular product |
written |
a word or phrase that is used only, or nearly always, in written English |