VERBAL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

verbal

[ vur-buhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of or relating to words:
verbal ability.
consisting of or in the form of words:
verbal imagery.
expressed in spoken words; oral rather than written:
verbal communication; verbal agreement.
Synonyms:
consisting of or expressed in words (as opposed to actions):
a verbal protest.
pertaining to or concerned with words only (as opposed to ideas, facts, or realities):
a purely verbal distinction between two concepts.
corresponding word for word; verbatim:
a verbal translation.
using words:
verbal facility.
based on the use of words (as opposed to other activity):
a verbal score in a test; verbal IQ.
Grammar.
1. of, relating to, or derived from a verb:
  verbal nouns and adjectives.
2. used in a sentence as or like a verb.
3. used to form verbs:
  the verbal ending “-ed.”

noun

Grammar.
1. a word derived from a verb, especially one used as a noun or an adjective, as, in English, a gerund, participle, or infinitive.
2. a word or words used in a sentence as or like a verb.

verbal

/ ˈ��ɜː��ə�� /

adjective

of, relating to, or using words, esp as opposed to ideas, etc
merely verbal concessions
oral rather than written
a verbal agreement
verbatim; literal
an almost verbal copy
grammar of or relating to verbs or a verb

noun

grammar another word for verbid
slang.
plural abuse or invective
new forms of on-field verbals
slang.
plural a criminal's admission of guilt on arrest

verb

slang.
(of the police) to implicate (someone) in a crime by quoting alleged admission of guilt in court

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Usage Note

Verbal has had the meaning “spoken” since the late 16th century and is thus synonymous with oral: He wrote a memorandum to confirm the verbal agreement. Slightly earlier, verbal had developed the meaning “expressed in words, whether spoken or written (as opposed to actions)”: Verbal support is no help without money and supplies. Although some say that the use of verbal to mean “spoken” produces ambiguity, it rarely does so. Verbal is used in this sense in all varieties of speech and writing and is fully standard. The context usually makes the meaning clear: No documents are necessary; a verbal agreement (or contract or order ) will suffice. Oral can be used instead of verbal if the context demands: My lawyer insists on a written contract because oral agreements are too difficult to enforce.

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Derived Forms

ˈ��, adverb

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��·��·�� adverb
�Դǲ�·��·�� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of verbal¹

First recorded in 1485–95; from Middle French, from Latin ��, equivalent to verb(um) “word, speech” + -�� adjective sufix; word, -al ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Lowe, who was one of five MPs elected for Reform in last year's election, was also reported to the police over allegations of verbal threats towards party chairman Zia Yusuf at the same time.

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Other officers begged him to quell the dog, named Tex, which continued its assault despite verbal commands to stop, a physical release maneuver and an unsuccessful use of a shock collar, according to court documents.

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Jasmine says she reported the matter to the police and the individual was given a verbal warning.

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Even after the fight was broken up, tensions remained high as players from both teams continued verbal attacks on one another.

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The victim was reportedly followed by another man with a dog, who subjected him to racial verbal abuse.

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