verbal
C1Formal, Semi-formal, Technical (Linguistics/Law)
Definition
Meaning
Relating to words, spoken rather than written, or using language.
In legal contexts, it can mean 'oral' or 'unwritten'. In grammar, it describes a verb form that functions as another part of speech (gerund, infinitive, participle). Informally, it can mean 'talking a lot' or being a 'verbal agreement' (spoken, not written).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning relates to spoken words, but it does NOT inherently mean 'verb-like' in everyday use; that is a technical grammatical sense. Be careful with the informal usage 'He's very verbal' meaning 'talkative' (more common in AmE). 'Verbal' vs. 'oral': 'Verbal' often emphasizes the use of words (spoken or written); 'oral' strictly means spoken.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'verbal' in legal/business contexts more strictly contrasts with 'written' (e.g., 'a verbal offer'). In American English, the distinction 'oral' vs. 'written' is sometimes more precise, and 'verbal' may be used more broadly.
Connotations
In BrE, 'verbal agreement' carries a stronger connotation of being less binding than a written contract. In AmE, the word can have a stronger informal connotation of 'talkative' (e.g., 'a verbal child').
Frequency
The grammatical sense (verbal noun) is equally frequent in academic contexts in both varieties. The legal/business sense is common in both, with a slight nuance in precision.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N be verbal (about N)have a verbal Ngive a verbal Nengage in verbal NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A verbal sparring match”
- “Get verbal with someone”
- “All verbal, no action (informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to non-written agreements or instructions, e.g., 'We have a verbal understanding with the supplier.'
Academic
In linguistics/psychology: describes skills, tests, or communication modes, e.g., 'verbal reasoning', 'non-verbal cues'.
Everyday
Describing spoken fights or arguments, e.g., 'They had a verbal altercation.', or describing a talkative person.
Technical
In grammar, a word derived from a verb (gerund, participle, infinitive).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was cautioned for verbaling the police officer. (slang/rare)
American English
- The suspect was charged with verbal abuse. (Note: 'verbal' is not commonly used as a verb in standard English.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'verbally' is the adverb)
American English
- (Not standard; 'verbally' is the adverb)
adjective
British English
- She has excellent verbal reasoning skills.
- We only had a verbal confirmation, nothing in writing.
American English
- He's very verbal for a two-year-old.
- The lawyer objected on verbal grounds.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave us verbal instructions.
- He is good at verbal games.
- We made a verbal agreement to meet next week.
- The test has both written and verbal parts.
- The contract was invalid as it was only a verbal promise.
- Her verbal fluency impressed the interviewers.
- The diplomat engaged in a subtle form of verbal fencing with the journalist.
- The study analysed the correlation between non-verbal cues and verbal content.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of VERBAL as relating to VERBs and WORds - it's about using language, especially spoken words.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CONVEYANCE SYSTEM (verbal delivery, verbal barrage). ARGUMENT IS WAR (verbal attack, verbal warfare).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'вербальный' (which is a false friend for 'verbal' in parapsychology). In most contexts, use 'словесный' or 'устный' (for oral). The grammatical term is 'вербальный' or 'глагольный'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'verbal' to mean 'related to verbs' in everyday conversation (too technical). Confusing 'verbal' (words) with 'oral' (mouth/spoken). Saying 'verbal contract' when meaning a formal, written one.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'verbal' most specifically mean 'spoken, not written'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on jurisdiction and the nature of the agreement, but it is much harder to prove than a written contract.
'Oral' strictly means 'spoken' or 'by mouth'. 'Verbal' relates to words in general and can include written words, though it often means 'spoken' in practice. In precise usage, 'oral agreement' is preferred for spoken pacts.
Yes, in informal American English (e.g., 'a very verbal child'), but this is less common in formal writing or British English.
It's a word derived from a verb that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb, not as the main verb of a clause. The main types are gerunds (ending in -ing), participles (present/past), and infinitives (to + verb).