verb

verbalize

VER-buh-lyze/ˈvɜːrbəlaɪz/

To express something in spoken words.

The distressed man verbalizes his feelings to the attentive listener.

A compact two-moment sequence shows a visibly distressed man moving from silent, closed-off tension to actively putting his feelings into words with an attentive listener.

Etymology

verbLatinword

+alLatinrelating to

+izeFrenchverb-forming suffix

Built on the adjective meaning “relating to words,” this verb makes wording an activity. It first meant using too many words, while the selected sense is expressing thoughts or feelings in words.

In context

Graham Bensinger3:51

I think I'm able to type things and just let words flow out easier in text or or written form than I am to verbalize it.

The craftsman: Jesse James on marriage, money, and booming blue-collar work | Full interview

More examples

Some feelings are difficult to verbalize.
During the discussion, he verbalized what everyone else was thinking.
Verbalizing your goals helps others understand what you want.

Forms

verbalize · verbalizes · verbalized · verbalizing

verbalization noun — The expression of thoughts in spoken words.

Similar words

express: Can communicate meaning through words, gestures, or other means.
articulate: Emphasizes expressing thoughts clearly and precisely, especially in speech.
voice: Usually means stating an opinion, concern, or objection aloud.