Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or consisting of words: Pertaining to words, especially spoken words, rather than actions or written forms.
   • Expressed in spoken words; oral: Communicated or agreed upon using speech, not writing.
   • Relating to or derived from a verb: In grammar, pertaining to or formed from a verb.
   • Skilled in the use of words: Having a facility with language and vocabulary.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The witness gave a verbal account of the accident. (The witness described the accident using spoken words.)
  • They had only a verbal agreement, not a written contract. (Their agreement was made orally.)
  • 'Running' is a verbal adjective in the phrase 'running water'. (The word 'running' is derived from the verb 'to run'.)
  • She has excellent verbal skills and is a persuasive speaker. (She is highly skilled in using words.)

Advanced Usage

• "Verbal noun": A noun that is derived from a verb and retains some verb-like properties (e.g., 'swimming' in 'Swimming is fun').
• "Verbal irony": A figure of speech where the intended meaning of the words is opposite to their literal or usual meaning.
• "Non-verbal communication": Communication through means other than words, such as gestures or facial expressions. (Note: This is a compound term where 'verbal' specifies the type of communication being excluded.)

Variants and Related Words

• Verbally (adverb): In a way that uses spoken words.
  • The instructions were given verbally.
• Verbalize (verb): To express something in words.
  • He found it hard to verbalize his feelings.

Synonyms

• Oral: Using speech.
• Spoken: Expressed in speech.
• Linguistic: Relating to language.
• Wordy (when meaning 'prolix'): Using too many words.

Related Phrases

• Verbal warning: A caution or reprimand given orally.
  • The manager issued a verbal warning about tardiness.
• Verbal assault: An attack using harsh, insulting words.
  • The argument escalated into a verbal assault.

Related Idioms

• A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on: A saying highlighting that oral agreements are difficult to enforce because they lack written proof. (Note: This idiom uses 'verbal' in its 'oral' sense.)

Adjective

1. prolix
   • you put me to forget a lady's manners by being so verbal- Shakespeare
2. expressed in spoken words
   • a verbal contract
3. relating to or having facility in the use of words
   • a good poet is a verbal artist
   • a merely verbal writer who sacrifices content to sound
   • verbal aptitude
4. of or relating to or formed from a verb
   • verbal adjectives like `running' in `hot and cold running water'
5. of or relating to or formed from words in general
   • verbal ability
6. communicated in the form of words
   • verbal imagery
   • a verbal protest