colloquially
UK[kəˈləʊ.kwi.ə.li]US[kəˈloʊ.kwi.ə.li]
adv
In a way that is used in ordinary, informal conversation rather than in formal speech or writing.
Morpheme Breakdown
colloqui
al
ly
colloqui
speak
al
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word's journey begins with the Latin verb colloqui, meaning "to converse," which itself is a compound of com- (together) and loqui (to speak). This root gave rise to the English noun "colloquy," a formal conversation. The adjective "colloquial" was formed by adding the suffix -al to a variant of this root, shifting the meaning to describe language characteristic of informal talk. Finally, the adverbial form "colloquially" emerged by appending the ubiquitous Germanic adverb-forming suffix -ly, completing the evolution from the literal act of speaking together to describing the informal manner in which something is expressed.
Analysis
Structure: colloqui (speak) + al (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
colloqui: From Latin colloqui (to converse), from com- (together) + loqui (to speak). This is the root form within the English spelling.
al: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by."
ly: An Old English-derived suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, meaning "in a manner of."
Examples
The technical term is 'aurora borealis,' but it's more colloquially known as the 'northern lights.'
He explained the complex concept very colloquially, using simple analogies everyone could understand.
That phrase, while commonly used colloquially, is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing.