B2 adjective Neutre

register

/ˈrɛdʒɪstər/

In linguistics and TOEFL contexts, register describes the specific variety or level of formality of a language used in a particular social or professional situation. It determines the choice of vocabulary, grammar, and tone based on the relationship between the speakers and the context of the communication.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

You should use a casual register when texting your brother.

It is appropriate to use informal language when messaging a family member.

2

The professor maintained a formal register throughout the entire lecture.

The teacher used very professional and serious language during the class.

3

I accidentally used an informal register in my application letter, which was a mistake.

I made the error of using too much slang in my professional job application.

Famille de mots

Nom
register
Verb
register
Adjectif
registered
Apparenté
registration
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'cash register' at a store. Just as a cash register records different prices, a linguistic register 'records' the different levels of formality required for a conversation.

Quiz rapide

The student was told that using 'gonna' and 'wanna' was not appropriate for a formal academic ______.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : register

Exemples

1

You should use a casual register when texting your brother.

everyday

It is appropriate to use informal language when messaging a family member.

2

The professor maintained a formal register throughout the entire lecture.

formal

The teacher used very professional and serious language during the class.

3

I accidentally used an informal register in my application letter, which was a mistake.

informal

I made the error of using too much slang in my professional job application.

4

This essay lacks the appropriate academic register for a university submission.

academic

The paper does not use the sophisticated style required for college-level work.

5

Learning to switch into a business register is essential for corporate success.

business

It is necessary to learn how to speak professionally to do well in a company.

Famille de mots

Nom
register
Verb
register
Adjectif
registered
Apparenté
registration

Collocations courantes

formal register a style of speech used in serious or official situations
casual register relaxed and informal language used with friends
shift register to change the level of formality while speaking
appropriate register the correct level of formality for a specific occasion
academic register the specialized style used in research and schooling

Phrases Courantes

high register

very formal or sophisticated language

low register

informal or common everyday language

register shift

the act of changing language style mid-conversation

Souvent confondu avec

register vs dialect

Dialect refers to language variation based on geography or social group, while register refers to variation based on the situation or context.

register vs registration

Registration is the act of signing up for something, whereas register in this context is a linguistic style.

📝

Notes d'usage

Use this word when discussing how someone's tone or word choice changes depending on who they are talking to. It is a common concept in sociolinguistics and language exams like TOEFL.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners often confuse 'register' (the style) with 'registration' (the process). Additionally, don't confuse it with 'dialect'; you can speak the same dialect in different registers.

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'cash register' at a store. Just as a cash register records different prices, a linguistic register 'records' the different levels of formality required for a conversation.

📖

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'regesta', meaning 'things recorded', which later evolved in the 1960s to describe linguistic varieties.

Modèles grammaticaux

Often used as a noun adjunct (e.g., 'register choice') Usually takes a singular form when referring to a specific style Commonly follows adjectives like 'formal', 'high', or 'technical'
🌍

Contexte culturel

In English-speaking cultures, failing to use a formal register with superiors or in legal settings can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect or poor education.

Quiz rapide

The student was told that using 'gonna' and 'wanna' was not appropriate for a formal academic ______.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : register

Expressions liées

Mots lis

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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