Verbal

Definition

Related to or in the form of words.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɜrbəl/
• Respelling: VUR-buhl (where "VUR" rhymes with "fur" and "buhl" rhymes with "pull")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɜːbəl/
• Respelling: VUR-buhl (similar to American English, but with "VUR" having a slightly longer vowel sound)

In both accents, the primary difference is the length and quality of the 'ɜ' sound in the first syllable. The "buhl" part of the word is pronounced similarly in both dialects, with the schwa ('ə') representing a muted, unstressed vowel sound similar to the 'a' in "sofa."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "verbum", meaning "word".

Derivatives

• Verbally
• Verbalize
• Verbalism
• Verbalist
• Verbalization

Synonyms

• Oral
• Vocal
• Spoken

Antonyms

• Written
• Nonverbal
• Silent

Usage

• "The contract was not written but was based on a verbal agreement."
• "She gave a verbal warning before taking further action."

Related Terms

• Word
• Speech
• Expression
• Statement
• Phrase

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Related to Words: Concerning or involving words rather than actual things or actions.
• Example: His understanding is only on a verbal level.

• Spoken not Written: Expressed in spoken rather than written words.
• Example: We had a verbal agreement but nothing in writing.

• Consisting of Words: Consisting of or relating to words.
• Example: The poem has some interesting verbal imagery.

Noun

• Word Derived from a Verb: In grammar, a word that is derived from a verb and that functions as a noun, in English usually having -ing.
• Example: In the sentence "Running is fun," "running" is a verbal.‍