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¹verbal

adjective ver·bal \ˈvər-bəl\

: relating to or consisting of words

: spoken rather than written

: relating to or formed from a verb

Full Definition of VERBAL

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>

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

: spoken rather than written <a verbal contract>

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

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

— ver·bal·ly \-bə-lē\ adverb

See verbal defined for English-language learners

See verbal defined for kids

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

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

Rhymes with VERBAL

burble, gerbil, herbal

²verbal

noun

Definition of VERBAL

: a word that combines characteristics of a verb with those of a noun or adjective — compare gerund, infinitive, participle

First Known Use of VERBAL

1530

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

VERBAL[1] Defined for Kids

verbal

adjective ver·bal \ˈvər-bəl\

Definition of VERBAL for Kids

: of, relating to, or consisting of words <verbal communication>

: spoken rather than written <verbal testimony>

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

— ver·bal·ly adverb

Word Root of VERBAL

The Latin word verbum, meaning “word,” gives us the root verb. Words from the Latin verbum have something to do with words. A verb is a word that shows action. An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. A proverb, or short saying containing a wise thought, is made up of a few well-chosen words. Anything verbal is made up of spoken words.