|
Some questions that you will encounter on the GMAT exam test your understanding of idioms. Idioms are groups of
words, that when taken together give off a meaning that doesn't always mean literally what it states.
Here is a definition taken from Webster's Dictionary to help clarify:
An expression conforming or appropriate to the peculiar
structural form of a language; in extend use, an
expression sanctioned by usage, having a sense peculiar to
itself and not agreeing with the logical sense of its
structural form; also, the phrase forms peculiar to a
particular author.
Here is how some author's have defined the term idiom
By idiom is meant the use of words which is peculiar to a particular language.
-- J. H. Newman.
Here is a good definition from WordNet.
An idiom is an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the
meanings of the words that make it up.
Idiomatic expressions are used to add a little style to a sentence. Idiomatic expressions don't translate
well from language to language because they shouldn't be taken literally. There are quite a few idioms in the
english language, so many that it really doesn't make sense to start trying to memorize them all. The best way
to learn how idiomatic expressions should correctly be written is to become well read in literature, and watch
a lot of 'B' rated movies.
The examples that follow will touch on some of the most popular and important idioms to know for the GMaT and
in life.
|
