verbal
verbal Lexical Profile
verbal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or in the form of words, whether spoken or written, as opposed to non-linguistic symbols, images, or actions.
"The aptitude exam tests both mathematical reasoning and verbal comprehension."
Spoken rather than written; communicated by voice or word of mouth.
"Both parties reached a verbal agreement during the meeting before drafting the formal contract."
Relating to, derived from, or having the nature and function of a grammatical verb.
"In English grammar, a gerund is a verbal noun ending in '-ing'."
Corresponding word for word with the original text; literal.
"The scholar prepared a strict verbal translation of the ancient manuscript."
• noun
A word or form derived from a verb (such as a gerund, participle, or infinitive) that functions as another part of speech, such as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
"Infinitives, gerunds, and participles are the three primary types of verbals in English grammar."
British An incriminating spoken statement attributed to a suspect by the police, or abusive language and insults (often used in the plural).
"The referee warned the players to stop exchanging verbals on the pitch."
Word Nuance & Usage
Strictly speaking, 'verbal' means 'relating to words' (spoken or written), whereas 'oral' specifically means 'spoken aloud.' In everyday and legal usage, however, 'verbal' is widely accepted to mean 'spoken rather than written' (as in 'a verbal agreement'), though careful writers prefer 'oral' when a sharp contrast with written text is required.
• Rhymes for verbal
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French verbal or Late Latin verbalis ('consisting of words'), derived from Latin verbum ('word').