Dialect vs. Variety — What's the Difference?

The term dialect (from Latin dialectus, dialectos, from the Ancient Greek word διάλεκτος, diálektos 'discourse', from διά, diá 'through' and λέγω, légō 'I speak') can refer to either of two distinctly different types of linguistic phenomena: a variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular group of the language's speakers. Under this definition, the dialects or varieties of a particular language are closely related and are often mutually intelligible, especially if close to one another on the dialect continuum.

The quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity or monotony

A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group

A taxonomic category that ranks below subspecies (where present) or species, its members differing from others of the same subspecies or species in minor but permanent or heritable characteristics. Varieties are more often recognized in botany, in which they are designated in the style Apium graveolens (var. dulce).

A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially a variety of speech differing from the standard literary language or speech pattern of the culture in which it exists

The quality or condition of being various or varied; diversity

A variety of language that with other varieties constitutes a single language of which no single variety is standard

A number or collection of varied things, especially of a particular group; an assortment

The language peculiar to the members of a group, especially in an occupation; jargon

Something that is distinguished from others of the same kind by a specific characteristic or set of characteristics

The manner or style of expressing oneself in language or the arts.

A form of a language that is used by a specific social group and differs from forms used by other social groups

A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use

(Biology) A taxonomic subdivision of a species or subspecies consisting of a group of naturally occurring or selectively bred individuals that differ from other individuals of the species in certain minor characteristics.

A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Cantonese as contrasted with Mandarin Chinese or Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).

A variety show.

A variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular area, community, or social group, differing from other varieties of the same language in relatively minor ways as regards grammar, phonology, and lexicon.

(countable)

(pejorative) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

A deviation or difference.

A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.

A specific variation of something.

A variant of a non-standardized programming language.

A collection or number of different things.

(ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.

Ellipsis of|en|variety performance}} or {{ellipsis of variety show

Means or mode of expressing thoughts; language; tongue; form of speech.

(uncountable)

The form of speech of a limited region or people, as distinguished from ether forms nearly related to it; a variety or subdivision of a language; speech characterized by local peculiarities or specific circumstances; as, the Ionic and Attic were dialects of Greece; the Yorkshire dialect; the dialect of the learned.

The quality of being varied; diversity.

The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;

The kind of entertainment given in variety performances or shows; also, the production of, or performance in, variety performances or shows.

The quality or state of being various; intermixture or succession of different things; diversity; multifariousness.

That which is various.

A number or collection of different things; a varied assortment; as, a variety of cottons and silks.

Such entertainment as in given in variety shows; the production of, or performance in, variety shows.

Something varying or differing from others of the same general kind; one of a number of things that are akin; a sort; as, varieties of wood, land, rocks, etc.

An individual, or group of individuals, of a species differing from the rest in some one or more of the characteristics typical of the species, and capable either of perpetuating itself for a period, or of being perpetuated by artificial means; hence, a subdivision, or peculiar form, of a species.

In inorganic nature, one of those forms in which a species may occur, which differ in minor characteristics of structure, color, purity of composition, etc.

A collection containing a variety of sorts of things;

Noticeable heterogeneity;

(biology) a taxonomic category consisting of members of a species that differe from others of the same species in minor but heritable characteristics;

A show consisting of a series of short unrelated performances

A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;

A difference that is usually pleasant;