Definition

Adverb - By spoken rather than written means: Communicated through speech, directly from one person to another, rather than through writing, print, or digital media.

Usage

This adverb describes the method or channel of communication. It modifies verbs related to telling, learning, spreading, or transmitting information. - It is typically used after verbs like hear, learn, spread, transmit, pass on, or circulate. - It often implies informal, personal, or traditional sharing of news, stories, or information.

Examples

• The news of the village festival spread by word of mouth.
• I learned about the job opening by word of mouth from a former colleague.
• Before the internet, folklore was preserved largely by word of mouth.
• The restaurant doesn't advertise; it relies entirely on recommendations passed by word of mouth.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun phrase (less common): Sometimes used in a noun-like way, preceded by a preposition.
  • The promotion was successful through word of mouth.
  • We get most of our clients by word of mouth.

Variants and Related Words

• Word-of-mouth (Adjective): Used to describe something that is communicated or promoted through oral means.
  • The film was a surprise hit, driven by strong word-of-mouth publicity.
• Viva voce (Adverb): A formal, often academic, synonym meaning "by word of mouth" or orally.
• Orally (Adverb): A more general synonym meaning "by speech."

Synonyms

• Orally
• Verbally (when meaning "spoken")
• Viva voce

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To hear something through the grapevine: To hear news informally from other people, which is a similar concept but implies a longer, less direct chain of communication than "by word of mouth."

Adverb

1. by spoken rather than written means
   • these stories were transmitted by word of mouth
2. orally
   • I heard it viva voce