word-of-mouth
Definition
Adjective 1. Communicated orally from person to person: Refers to information, especially publicity or recommendations, that is spread through spoken communication rather than through written or broadcast media.
Usage
The adjective "word-of-mouth" is used to describe how information, particularly about a product, service, or event, is transmitted. It emphasizes the personal, informal, and spoken nature of the communication. It is almost always used attributively (before a noun).
Examples
- The small restaurant doesn't advertise; it relies entirely on word-of-mouth recommendations.
- The word-of-mouth publicity for the new book has been incredibly strong.
- Their success is due to positive word-of-mouth from satisfied customers.
Advanced Usage
- The term can function as a noun phrase (often hyphenated) when referring to the or itself. For example: "The product spread by word of mouth." In this use, it is commonly written without hyphens.
- It describes a powerful and trusted form of marketing because it is based on personal experience and social networks.
Variants and Related Words
- Viva voce (adjective/adverb): A more formal, chiefly academic term meaning "by word of mouth" or "orally." (e.g., a examination).
- Oral (adjective): Spoken rather than written.
- Verbal (adjective): Relating to or in the form of words (can be spoken or written, so is less precise than "word-of-mouth").
Synonyms
- Oral
- Spoken
- Viva voce
Antonyms
- Written
- Printed
- Advertised
- Broadcast
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To spread by word of mouth: The verbal process of sharing information.
- News of the secret concert spread quickly by word of mouth.
Adjective
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expressed orally
-
a viva-voce report
-
the film had good word-of-mouth publicity
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