-alis

of, relating to

Forms

-alis
-aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
-al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
-ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective

verbal

VER-bul/ˈvɜːrbl/

Relating to words, especially spoken language.

They use verbal communication to explain the plan face to face.

A Black woman and white man converse face to face, subtle blank speech bubbles.

Etymology

verbLatinword

+alLatinof, relating to

The pieces mean “relating to words,” with verbum retaining its broad meaning rather than just the grammatical one. This general relationship to language also developed the more specific sense “expressed in spoken words.”

In context

The Decode Project0:13

verbal communication is the use of words to share information with others it can therefore include both spoken and written communication

What is Verbal Communication? Key Elements | Types | Importance | Full Explained #communication

More examples

We reached a verbal agreement.
The test measured verbal ability.
Her verbal explanation was clearer than the diagram.

Forms

verbal

Similar words

oral: Oral specifically means spoken; verbal can include written words.
linguistic: Linguistic concerns language as a system rather than simply using words.