verbal

¹ver·bal

adj \ˈvər-bəl\

Definition of VERBAL

1

a : of, relating to, or consisting of words <verbal instructions> b : of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance <a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic — B. N. Cardozo> c : consisting of or using words only and not involving action <verbal abuse>

2

: of, relating to, or formed from a verb <a verbal adjective>

3

: spoken rather than written <a verbal contract>

4

: verbatim, word-for-word <a verbal translation>

5

: of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words <verbal aptitude>

— ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adverb

Examples of VERBAL

1. He scored well on the verbal section of the test.
2. They had a verbal exchange.
3. a verbal agreement to finish the work
4. We gave only verbal instructions.

Origin of VERBAL

Middle English verbale, from Late Latin verbalis, from Latin verbum word

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to VERBAL

Synonyms: lexical, linguistic (also linguistical), rhetorical (also rhetoric), vocabular, wordy

Antonyms: nonlexical, nonlinguistic, nonverbal

Related Words: communicative, conversational

Near Antonyms: explicit, formal

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with VERBAL

burble, gerbil, herbal