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Definition of orally

orally

/ˈɔːr.ə.li/
or · al · ly
Adjective:oral
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orally Lexical Profile

orally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

By means of spoken words rather than in writing; out loud.

Example

"The ancient legends were passed down orally from one generation to the next before ever being written down."

2

By means of or through the mouth, especially regarding the administration of medicine or taking a temperature.

Example

"The physician instructed the patient to take the antibiotic capsules orally twice a day with food."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for orally
Antonyms
View all antonyms for orally

Word Nuance & Usage

'Orally' specifically means by means of spoken words (as opposed to in writing), whereas 'verbally' means by means of words in general (spoken or written), though 'verbally' is commonly used as a loose synonym for 'orally' in everyday speech. Additionally, do not confuse 'orally' (relating to the mouth or speech) with its near-homophone 'aurally' (relating to the ear or hearing).

• Rhymes for orally

• Nearby Words

orache
oracle
oral
orally
oran
oranda goldfish
orang

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'oral' (from Late Latin 'oralis', derived from Latin 'os, oris' meaning 'mouth') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orally. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orally
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