Nonverbal: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'nonverbal' is derived from the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', and 'verbal', which comes from the Latin word 'verbalis' meaning 'of a word', itself stemming from 'verbum', meaning 'word'. The concept of nonverbal communication has been recognized for centuries, as humans have always conveyed messages through gestures, expressions, and postures that do not involve spoken language. In the 20th century, psychologists and communication theorists began to formally study nonverbal communication, identifying its significance in social interactions and its ability to complement, reinforce, or contradict verbal messages. Understanding nonverbal cues has become an essential aspect of fields such as psychology, social science, and communication studies, as they play a crucial role in human interactions and can convey emotions and intentions more effectively than words alone.

With rank #15,384, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 15384 nonverbal
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