/ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
Origin: French suffix -age
Language has 9 different meanings across 1 category:
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
"he taught foreign languages"
"the language introduced is standard throughout the text"
"the speed with which a program can be executed depends on the language in which it is written"
(language) communication by word of mouth
"his speech was garbled"
"he uttered harsh language"
"he recorded the spoken language of the streets"
the cognitive processes involved in producing and understanding linguistic communication
"he didn't have the language to express his feelings"
a system of words used to name things in a particular discipline
"legal terminology"
"biological nomenclature"
"the language of sociology"
A body of words, and set of methods of combining them (called a grammar), understood by a community and used as a form of communication.
"The organ tuner carefully adjusted the tiny metal language to ensure the flute note rang out clearly without distortion."
A languet, a flat plate in or below the flue pipe of an organ.
In plain English: Language is a system of spoken, written, or signed symbols that people use to communicate with each other.
"She learned Spanish to communicate with her new neighbors."
Usage: Language refers to a system of communication using words and grammar shared by a particular people or nation. It does not refer to a mechanical part of an organ pipe, which is correctly called a languet.
To communicate by language; to express in language.
"The poet struggled to find a word that could truly capture the depth of her grief, so she chose to let her silence speak instead."
In plain English: To speak or write using a specific language or dialect.
"When she finally learned to speak English, her mother could no longer understand what they were saying to each other."
Usage: Avoid using "language" as a verb in modern English, as it is considered archaic and nonstandard. Instead, use verbs like speak, talk, or express when you mean to communicate through words.
The word "language" entered English from the Old French term for tongue or speech, which itself traces back to the Latin lingua. This borrowing replaced the native Old English word ġeþēode and originally referred literally to a physical tongue before expanding to mean verbal communication.