Words / B2

VURBL/ˈvɜːbl/

Verbal means spoken rather than written, or to do with words: a verbal warning; verbal reasoning. Oral is the exam twin for speaking; written sits opposite. A verbal warning is still logged. Mix-up: verbose (already elsewhere) means wordy. Non-verbal is body language. Do not write verbal for “angry”.

Meaning

Spoken rather than written; also relating to words.

Examples

• “A verbal warning is still logged on the behaviour record.”
• “Verbal reasoning is a separate paper, which is the words-and-logic sense.”

Good to know

a verbal warning / agreement; verbal reasoning; non-verbal. Spoken twin: oral. Trap: verbose. Pastoral and admissions. Spoken or word-based, not “rude”.

Near in meaning

oral

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