English Profile

language · noun

/ˈlæŋ.gwɪdʒ/Full view

language (ENGLISH/SPANISH/JAPANESE, ETC.)

A1 C a type of communication used by the people of a particular country or by a particular group of people

Dictionary examples:

How many languages do you speak?

the English language

American Sign Language

Learner example:

I'm learning a new language. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

language (COMMUNICATION)

B1 U communication between people, usually using words

Dictionary examples:

She has done research into how children acquire language.

Her language skills are excellent.

Learner example:

Language is very important [for] communicat[ion] between people. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Lithuanian)

language (TYPE OF WORDS)

C1 U words of a particular type, especially the words used by people in a particular job

Dictionary examples:

legal language

the language of business

Learner example:

English has become the language of science, so it seems, even though some of the papers, studies and publications are hard to read and understand. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

language (COMPUTERS)

C1 C or U a system of instructions that is used to write computer programs

Dictionary example:

I'm not familiar with that programming language.

Learner example:

Students must have knowledge of at least one programming language, preferably Visual C++. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Hungarian)

foul language

C1 very rude and offensive words

Dictionary example:

There was a lot of foul language in the movie.

Learner example:

It is the responsibility of the parents not to fight or use any foul language in front of the kids, as they may learn and use it in front of others. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Hindi)

strong language

C1 words that some people might consider to be offensive

Dictionary example:

The movie contains strong language.

Learner example:

But what I do see is local kids standing [on] the corner, chat[t]ing, smoking and using strong language. (Skills for Life (Level 2); C1; Slovak)