Verbal: meaning, definitions and examples

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verbal

[ ˈvɜːrbəl ]

Adjective / Noun

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

communication

Relating to or in the form of words.

Synonyms

oral, spoken, worded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
verbal	Used when referring to anything related to words, particularly in the form of spoken communication or expressing something through words. He gave a verbal agreement to the terms. She's very good at verbal communication.
spoken	Used to describe something that is communicated by speaking rather than in written form. Often used to highlight the mode of communication. She prefers written instructions over spoken ones. We had a spoken agreement, not a written contract.
oral	Typically used in scenarios involving spoken words, often in formal or academic settings. It can also refer to anything related to the mouth. He had to give an oral presentation in front of the class. The dentist conducted an oral examination.
worded	Refers to the specific choice and arrangement of words in a written or spoken statement. Often used when focusing on the language or phrasing. The letter was carefully worded to avoid misunderstandings. How is the question worded on the test?

Examples of usage

He gave a verbal assurance that the project would be completed on time.
She preferred verbal communication over written messages.
The verbal agreement was not legally binding.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

grammar

A word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence.

Synonyms

action word, doing word, verb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
verbal	Can also describe something that is expressed in words or pertaining to words. It may carry a negative connotation if used to describe excessive talking. She has excellent verbal skills. His verbal attacks were unnecessary and hurtful.
verb	The most common term used in both casual and formal contexts to describe words that represent actions, occurrences, or states of being. In the sentence 'He runs every morning,' 'runs' is the verb. Every sentence needs a verb to be complete.
action word	Often used in educational settings, especially with children, to explain the concept of verbs in a simple way. Run, jump, and swim are action words.
doing word	Similar to 'action word', it's used in basic educational settings to describe verbs to young learners. In the sentence 'She sings', 'sings' is the doing word.

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'She sings beautifully,' 'sings' is a verbal.
Verbs and verbals are important components of a sentence.

Translations

Translations of the word "verbal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 verbal

🇮🇳 मौखिक

🇩🇪 verbal

🇮🇩 verbal

🇺🇦 вербальний

🇵🇱 werbalny

🇯🇵 言葉の

🇫🇷 verbal

🇪🇸 verbal

🇹🇷 sözlü

🇰🇷 언어의

🇸🇦 لفظي

🇨🇿 verbální

🇸🇰 verbálny

🇨🇳 口头的

🇸🇮 verbalni

🇮🇸 mállegt

🇰🇿 ауызша

🇬🇪 ვერბალური

🇦🇿 şifahi

🇲🇽 verbal

Etymology

The word 'verbal' comes from the Latin word 'verbalis', which means 'consisting of words'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. Over time, 'verbal' has evolved to have multiple meanings, including both adjective and noun forms. The adjective form often refers to something expressed in words, while the noun form is used in grammar to describe a type of word. 'Verbal' plays a crucial role in communication and linguistics.

See also: adverb, proverb, verb, verbalize, verbiage, verbing, verbose, verbosity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,381, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4378 rehabilitation
4379 surrender
4380 shelter
4381 verbal
4382 satellite
4383 shade
4384 imprisonment
...