🇩🇪German Source WordCode: DE

Barbarismus

Pronunciation / Transliteration: bar-ba-ri-zmus

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Barbarism/ˈbɑː.bə.rɪ.zəm/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #15000 frequency
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🇩🇪 Example Sentence in German:

"Die Verwendung von Slang in der Literatur ist oft ein Barbarismus."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A form of speech or writing that is considered incorrect or nonstandard, often marked by the use of foreign or ungrammatical elements.

    "The use of 'ain't' in formal writing is often seen as a barbarism."
  2. 2

    The quality or state of being barbarous; a lack of civilization or refinement.

    "The barbarism of the ancient tribes was often highlighted in historical accounts."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'barbarism' originates from the Greek word 'barbaros', which referred to non-Greek speakers, implying a lack of culture or refinement. It evolved through Latin as 'barbarismus', maintaining its connotation of cultural inferiority and linguistic errors, particularly in the context of language and literature.

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