verbal
VUR-buhl
Verbal (adj) means relating to words, especially spoken rather than written ones. Example: “The teacher gave a verbal warning before writing anything in the report.”
adj
1
Relating to words, especially spoken rather than written ones.
"The teacher gave a verbal warning before writing anything in the report."
"I am not speaking of the verbal use of the term 'Fascist'. I am speaking of what I have seen in print."
— George Orwell, What is Fascism? (1944)
"They reached a verbal agreement before signing the contract."
"Her verbal skills impressed the interview panel."
How to use verbal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving to do with words, usually spoken words rather than something written down.
Common mistake
A "verbal agreement" is spoken, not written — it can still be legally binding, but it's harder to prove.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
verbal agreement
verbal warning
verbal skills
verbal abuse
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like verbal.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- verbals
- Third person singular
- verbals
- Past tense
- verbaled, verballed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The teacher gave a _____ warning before writing anything in the report.
Etymology
From Late Latin verbalis, "belonging to a word," from verbum ("word").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for verbal
See all rhymes for verbal →Frequently asked questions
What does “verbal” mean?
The word “verbal” means relating to words, especially spoken rather than written ones. In plain terms, having to do with words, usually spoken words rather than something written down.
How do you pronounce “verbal”?
“Verbal” is pronounced VUR-buhl (/ˈvɝ.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “verbal” in a sentence?
Here is “verbal” used in a sentence: “They reached a verbal agreement before signing the contract.”
What is another word for “verbal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “verbal” include lectic.
What is the opposite of “verbal”?
The opposite of “verbal” — its antonyms — are implied and unsaid.
What part of speech is “verbal”?
“Verbal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “verbal” come from?
The word “verbal” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin verbalis, "belonging to a word," from verbum ("word").
Is “verbal” a common word?
“Verbal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "verbal" and "oral"?
Strictly, "verbal" relates to words, whether spoken or written, while "oral" means specifically spoken or by mouth. In everyday use, however, "verbal" is commonly taken to mean spoken, as in a verbal agreement.
What is a "verbal agreement"?
A verbal agreement is one made in spoken words rather than written down. It can still be binding in many situations, but it is harder to prove because there is no written record.
What is the difference between "verbal" and "written"?
In common usage, "verbal" refers to words that are spoken, whereas "written" refers to words recorded on paper or screen. So a verbal warning is given in speech, while a written warning is set down in a document.
What are common collocations with "verbal"?
Frequent pairings include verbal agreement, verbal warning, verbal communication, verbal abuse, and verbal skills. These reflect its focus on words, especially spoken ones.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include verbal:
