C2adverbformallanguage
US/ˌɪd.i.əˈmæt.ɪ.kəl.i/
UK/ˌɪd.i.əˈmæt.ɪ.kəl.i/
in a way that sounds natural to people who speak the language as their first language
In context
She speaks English idiomatically after living in Dublin for ten years.
Her essay is correct, but it is not written idiomatically, so it sounds like a translation.
Translators must express ideas idiomatically rather than copying each word from the original.
Words that go with idiomatically
verb + adverb
- speak idiomaticallyHe speaks Spanish idiomatically after years in Madrid.
- write idiomaticallyLearning to write idiomatically takes a lot of reading.
- express idiomaticallyThe idea is expressed idiomatically in the final draft.
- translate idiomaticallyThe phrase should be translated idiomatically, not literally.
adverb + adjective
- idiomatically correctHer essay was idiomatically correct from start to finish.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She speaks idiomatic.Correct: She speaks idiomatically.