Oral: meaning, definitions and examples

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oral

[ˈɔːrəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

health

Relating to the mouth.

Synonyms

mouth, spoken, verbal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oral	Used in formal or academic settings to describe communication that is spoken rather than written. Often used in exams, presentations, and medical discussions. He has an oral presentation on Monday. The doctor provided oral instructions for the medication.
mouth	Mainly refers to the physical part of the body. Can also be used in informal speech to describe someone speaking, but it's less common. She opened her mouth to speak. He put the pill in his mouth.
verbal	Often used to contrast with written communication. Can also mean 'related to words', but in contexts involving spoken communication, it refers to speech over text. She gave a verbal agreement over the phone. There was a misunderstanding due to a verbal miscommunication.
spoken	Refers specifically to words that are said out loud. It emphasizes the act of speaking over writing or other forms of communication. He is much more confident in spoken English than written English. The spoken word has a powerful impact.

Examples of usage

The dentist performed an oral examination.
She had oral surgery to remove her wisdom teeth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

communication

Expressed in spoken words rather than writing.

Synonyms

spoken, spoken, verbal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oral	Use when referring to something related to the mouth or spoken out loud, often in formal or medical contexts. The doctor conducted an oral examination The professor assigned an oral presentation for the final project
spoken	Use when referring to something that is communicated through speech rather than written down. It is usually informal. She has a good command of spoken English They discussed the matter in a spoken agreement
verbal	Use when referring to communication that involves words, either spoken or written, but often used to emphasize spoken communication in a formal context. The witness provided a verbal testimony in court There was a verbal agreement between the two parties

Word

Description / Examples

oral

Use when referring to something related to the mouth or spoken out loud, often in formal or medical contexts.

The doctor conducted an oral examination
The professor assigned an oral presentation for the final project

spoken

Use when referring to something that is communicated through speech rather than written down. It is usually informal.

She has a good command of spoken English
They discussed the matter in a spoken agreement

verbal

Use when referring to communication that involves words, either spoken or written, but often used to emphasize spoken communication in a formal context.

The witness provided a verbal testimony in court
There was a verbal agreement between the two parties

Examples of usage

She gave an oral presentation to the board.
The agreement was made through oral communication.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

examination

A spoken examination or test, especially in a language course.

Synonyms

spoken, spoken, verbal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oral	Use this word when referring to spoken communication or anything related to the mouth, such as medical or educational contexts. The doctor performed an oral examination. Oral presentations are an important part of the course.

Examples of usage

The final assessment included both a written and an oral component.
The students were nervous about the oral exam.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'oral' comes from the Latin word 'oralis', which means 'of the mouth'.
Early use in the English language dates back to the late 14th century, focusing on verbal communication.
Various cultures have emphasized oral traditions to preserve knowledge and history before the written word became common.

Education

Oral exams in education assess a student's knowledge through verbal responses rather than written tests.
Oral communication skills are essential for engaging in discussions, presentations, and teamwork in learning environments.
Many educational systems around the world encourage oral storytelling as a tool for teaching critical thinking and creativity.

Cultural Significance

Oral traditions are foundational in many societies, especially among indigenous communities, preserving their heritage and culture.
Storytelling is often considered an art form in various cultures, allowing for the passing down of morals and life lessons.
In some cultures, oral poetry is a revered craft that conveys history and emotions, showcasing the power of spoken word.

Health

Oral health is critical for overall well-being, as it involves caring for the mouth, teeth, and gums to prevent disease.
Oral medication refers to drugs taken by mouth, making it one of the most common forms of drug delivery.
Regular oral check-ups are recommended by health professionals to avoid serious dental complications.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals often remember information better when it is presented orally rather than through written text.
Oral communication can enhance emotional connections in relationships, fostering clearer understanding and empathy.
Research indicates that public speaking helps boost self-confidence and reduces anxiety about social interactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "oral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oral

🇮🇳 मौखिक (moukhik)

🇩🇪 mündlich

🇮🇩 lisan

🇺🇦 усний

🇵🇱 ustny

🇯🇵 口頭の (kōtō no)

🇫🇷 oral

🇪🇸 oral

🇹🇷 sözlü

🇰🇷 구두의 (guduui)

🇸🇦 شفوي (shafawi)

🇨🇿 ústní

🇸🇰 ústny

🇨🇳 口头的 (kǒutóu de)

🇸🇮 ustni

🇮🇸 munnlegur

🇰🇿 ауызша

🇬🇪 ზეპირი (zepiri)

🇦🇿 şifahi

🇲🇽 oral

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,707, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2704 wheel
2705 proceeds
2706 valley
2707 oral
2708 walking
2709 spectrum
2710 grand
...