adjective
verbal
VER-bul/ˈvɜːrbl/
Relating to words, especially spoken language.
They use verbal communication to explain the plan face to face.
Etymology
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
verbal communication is the use of words to share information with others it can therefore include both spoken and written 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.