verbal

Everyday

1. Verbal means spoken in words, not written down: a verbal warning, a verbal agreement. tree →
2. Verbal means to do with words: verbal skills are skills with language. tree →
3. (grammar) Verbal means to do with verbs. tree →
4. (slang, UK) «Verbals» are insults or rude talk said to someone. tree →

In the lessons

In school it appears in «verbal reasoning» tests (word puzzles, UK), rules about «verbal bullying» (name-calling, threats), and sports («a verbal warning» from the referee). It tells the reader that something was said, not done or written. Phrases: «verbal warning», «verbal abuse», «verbal reasoning», «verbal agreement».

Examples

• The referee gave him a verbal warning. tree →
• Name-calling is verbal bullying, and it hurts too. tree →
• We practised verbal reasoning for the test. tree →
• They made a verbal agreement to share the bike. tree →
• She has strong verbal skills and loves debates. tree →
• He was told off verbally, not in a letter. tree →
• Some fans gave the referee a lot of verbal (UK slang). tree →
• He stood so high that they were afraid he would not accept a verbal message. tree →

Note

Trap: «verbal» strictly means «in words» (written or spoken), but in everyday use it nearly always means spoken; «oral» means spoken too. «Verbal» is not about verbs only, though in grammar it can be. Adverb: «verbally».

In Jewish tradition

In school it appears in «verbal reasoning» tests (word puzzles, UK), rules about «verbal bullying» (name-calling, threats), and sports («a verbal warning» from the referee). It tells the reader that something was said, not done or written. Phrases: «verbal warning», «verbal abuse», «verbal reasoning», «verbal agreement».

Note

Trap: «verbal» strictly means «in words» (written or spoken), but in everyday use it nearly always means spoken; «oral» means spoken too. «Verbal» is not about verbs only, though in grammar it can be. Adverb: «verbally».