Verbiage: meaning, definitions and examples

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verbiage

 

[ ˈvɜːr.bi.ɪdʒ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

excessive language

Verbiage refers to an excessive and overcomplicated use of words, often with the intention to sound more intelligent or important than necessary. It can also describe language that is overly wordy or difficult to understand.

Synonyms

prolixity, verbosity, wordiness.

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Word Description / Examples
verbiage

Often used to describe writing or speech that has too many unnecessary words, which can make the message unclear or overly complicated.

  • The report was filled with so much verbiage that it was hard to understand the main points.
  • His emails are always full of verbiage, making them difficult to read.
wordiness

Generally used to describe speech or writing that is overly long and filled with unnecessary words. It often implies a lack of conciseness.

  • Her essay was marked down due to its wordiness.
  • In an effort to avoid wordiness, she trimmed her speech to the essentials.
verbosity

This word is generally used to indicate an overuse of words, especially when more concise language could be used. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The lawyer's verbosity in court did not help his client's case.
  • Due to his verbosity, no one could get a word in during the meeting.
prolixity

Typically used when referring to someone who speaks or writes at excessive length, often in a way that is excessively detailed or boring.

  • The professor's prolixity during lectures often puts students to sleep.
  • Her prolixity in storytelling made the simple tale stretch on for hours.

Examples of usage

  • Her speech was filled with verbiage, making it hard for the audience to follow.
  • The contract was full of legal verbiage that was difficult for the average person to comprehend.

Translations

Translations of the word "verbiage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 verborreia

🇮🇳 शब्दजाल

🇩🇪 Wortschwall

🇮🇩 verbalitas

🇺🇦 словоблуддя

🇵🇱 gadanina

🇯🇵 冗語

🇫🇷 verbiage

🇪🇸 verborrea

🇹🇷 laf kalabalığı

🇰🇷 장황함

🇸🇦 ثرثرة

🇨🇿 žvanění

🇸🇰 žvanenie

🇨🇳 废话

🇸🇮 besedičenje

🇮🇸 orðavaðall

🇰🇿 сөз бұрмалау

🇬🇪 სიტყვათმთევლობა

🇦🇿 söz yığımı

🇲🇽 verborrea

Etymology

The word 'verbiage' originated in the early 18th century from the French word 'verbier', meaning 'to chatter'. It evolved to refer to excessive use of words or verbosity. The term has been used to critique unnecessary complexity or verbosity in language, emphasizing the importance of clarity and conciseness in communication.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,385, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.