Definition

1. Adverb:
   • By spoken rather than written means: In a manner involving speech or the mouth.
   • Through the mouth (medicine): Pertaining to the administration of something, such as a drug, via the mouth.

Usage and Examples

• Adverb (Communication):

  • The agreement was made orally, with no written contract.
  • The ancient history of the tribe was preserved orally for generations.

• Adverb (Medicine/Administration):

  • The medication is taken orally, twice a day.
  • Some vaccines can be administered orally.

Advanced Usage

• "Administered orally": A formal medical phrase indicating a drug or treatment is given by mouth.

  • The antibiotic is most effective when administered orally with food.

• "Transmitted orally": Describes information, traditions, or stories passed down through speech.

  • Folktales are often a form of literature transmitted orally.

Variants and Related Words

• Oral (adjective): Relating to the mouth; spoken rather than written.

  • An oral examination (a spoken test).
  • Oral hygiene (care for the mouth and teeth).

• Oracy (noun): The ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech.

  • The curriculum emphasizes the development of literacy and oracy.

Synonyms

• Verbally: Using words, especially spoken words.
  • The instructions were given verbally.
• By mouth: Through the mouth (specifically for medicine).
  • Take this syrup by mouth.

Antonyms

• In writing: Done or expressed using written words.
• Intravenously (IV): Administered into a vein (for medicine).
• Topically: Applied to the surface of the skin or a body part.

Related Phrases

• Oral tradition: The cultural practice of passing knowledge, art, ideas, and historical material from generation to generation through speech.
  • Many indigenous cultures have a rich oral tradition.
• Oral history: The collection and study of historical information using sound recordings of interviews with people having personal knowledge of past events.
  • She conducted an oral history project with veterans.

Adverb

1. by spoken rather than written means
   • these stories were transmitted by word of mouth
2. (of drugs) through the mouth rather than through injection; by_mouth
   • he was administered the drug orally