n.
Pronunciation: ' v ə r-b ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English verbale, from Late Latin verbalis, from Latin verbum word
Date: 15th century
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of words < verbal instructions> b : of, relating to, or involving words rather than meaning or substance <a consistency that is merely verbal and scholastic ― B. N. Cardozo> c : consisting of or using words only and not involving action < verbal abuse>
2 : of, relating to, or formed from a verb <a verbal adjective>
3 : spoken rather than written <a verbal contract>
4 : VERBATIM , WORD-FOR-WORD <a verbal translation>
5 : of or relating to facility in the use and comprehension of words < verbal aptitude>
– ver · bal · ly \ -b ə -l ē \ adverb