1. The variety of a language or dialect that is considered the most prestigious or standard, typically spoken by educated speakers of the highest social class.
Usage: linguistics; formal

Examples

• In Jamaica, the acrolect is closer to standard English, while the basilect is Jamaican Creole.
• The acrolect is typically used in formal settings such as government and education.
• Speakers often shift toward the acrolect when speaking in professional contexts.
• The acrolect represents the most formal end of the linguistic continuum in a speech community.
• Many multilingual speakers code-switch between the acrolect and local dialects depending on their audience.