verbally
verbally Lexical Profile
verbally Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
By means of spoken words rather than in writing; orally.
"The manager communicated the new policy verbally during the morning briefing before sending out the official memo."
By means of words or language, as opposed to actions, gestures, or images.
"Young children often struggle to express complex emotions verbally and may act out instead."
In a manner that corresponds word for word; verbatim.
"The ancient treaty was translated verbally into Greek to preserve the exact phrasing of the original text."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although 'verbally' strictly means 'by means of words' (spoken or written), in everyday and professional usage it is predominantly used as a synonym for 'orally' (spoken rather than written), as in 'they agreed verbally.' In careful academic or legal writing, 'orally' is preferred when specifically contrasting speech with writing.
• Rhymes for verbally
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from the adjective 'verbal' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to Latin 'verbalis' ('consisting of words'), from 'verbum' ('word').