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Verbal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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verbal

[ˈvɜːrbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

communication

Relating to or in the form of words.

Synonyms

oral, spoken, worded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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?

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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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • There are different types of verbal communication, including spoken, written, and non-verbal cues that enhance spoken words.
  • The 'verbal-linguistic intelligence' is one of the multiple intelligences identified by Howard Gardner, emphasizing the importance of word use.
  • Verbal communication can be further categorized into formal and informal styles, influencing the way messages are perceived.

Psychology

  • Verbal processing is the way our brain handles language, playing a key role in understanding and interacting with the world.
  • Studies show that individuals with strong verbal abilities often excel in fields like law, teaching, and writing.
  • Verbal communication skills are critical for emotional intelligence, helping to navigate social interactions effectively.

Pop Culture

  • Famous speeches in history highlight the power of verbal language, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech.
  • Verbal battles in rap music often showcase wit and skill in wordplay, making language an art form.
  • In many films and shows, dialogue is the primary way characters develop plots and relationships, proving the impact of verbal exchanges.

Education

  • Verbal communication is a fundamental skill taught in schools, with an emphasis on reading and writing development.
  • Public speaking courses focus on enhancing verbal skills, teaching how to articulate thoughts clearly and confidently.
  • Effective verbal communication is essential during presentations, contributing to engaging and informative educational experiences.

Origin of 'verbal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'verbal' comes from the Latin word 'verbum', which means 'word'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, highlighting the importance of language.
  • In historical texts, 'verbal' often described things that were spoken rather than written.

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.