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verbalrelating to words or speech rather than actions

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: relating to words or speech rather than actions

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɜːrbəl/

Example Sentences

  • My boss gave me a verbal warning for being late, but honestly, I was expecting a written essay!
  • The contract was only verbal, so when they denied everything, I had no proof.
  • Her verbal skills are so good, she could probably talk a fish into buying water.

verbal

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈvɜːrbəl/]

relating to words or speech rather than actions

The two men had a verbal argument at the station.
💡 Concept

The two men had a verbal argument at the station.

The teacher gave verbal instructions, and the students listened carefully. (VERBAL → VERB + VOICE → words spoken with a voice)
🧠 Mnemonic

The teacher gave verbal instructions, and the students listened carefully. (VERBAL → VERB + VOICE → words spoken with a voice)

At the table, the boy gave a verbal complaint about the herbal soup.
🎵 Rhyme

At the table, the boy gave a verbal complaint about the herbal soup.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈvɜːrbəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈvɜːbəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootverb
Suffix--al

Origin

From Latin 'verbalis', derived from 'verbum' meaning 'word'. The Latin root traces back to Indo-European origins related to speech and utterance.

Breakdown

verb (word) + -al (adjective suffix meaning 'relating to') = verbal (relating to words)

🎵Rhyme

herbalglobal
herbal
global

🔗Collocations

verbal communication
verbal agreement
verbal abuse
verbal warning
non-verbal
verbal skills
verbal instruction

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My boss gave me a verbal warning for being late, but honestly, I was expecting a written essay!

The contract was only verbal, so when they denied everything, I had no proof.

😄 Fun example

Her verbal skills are so good, she could probably talk a fish into buying water.

The teacher emphasized the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

oralspokenvocallinguisticcommunicative

Antonyms

writtennon-verbalsilent

Related

verbvocabularyspeechcommunicationlanguage

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