What does orally mean?
Orally means through speech or the mouth rather than through writing. It is especially common in education and medicine: a student may give an answer orally, while a medicine may be described as being taken orally to indicate that it is swallowed rather than injected or applied externally. The word comes from “oral,” which means relating to the mouth or spoken language. Although “verbally” is sometimes used as a loose synonym, orally more strongly suggests the physical channel of speech, which explains its frequent use in clinical instructions such as “take one tablet orally.” It is also a useful contrast with “writtenly” or “in writing” when describing examinations, agreements, and forms of communication, although those expressions are often more idiomatic than a direct antonym.
By means of speech or the mouth; in a spoken rather than written form.
"The interviewer asked the candidate to explain her proposal orally."
This is the general sense, especially in education, examinations, and discussion of communication.
By swallowing, especially in instructions for taking medicine.
"This medicine is to be taken orally at bedtime."
This is a technical medical sense used in prescriptions and patient instructions.
From the Latin for “of the mouth,” orally is a reminder that some meanings are spoken before they are written down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does orally come from?
Orally is the adverbial form of “oral,” which comes from Latin oralis, meaning “of the mouth” or “spoken.” The Latin adjective is based on os, oris, meaning “mouth.” Related English words include “orator,” an ancient root of which orate derives, and “oratory,” meaning the art of public speaking.
Related word forms
How orally is actually used
The adverb is formal and neutral in general use. In medical instructions, it specifically indicates that a medicine is swallowed. It is not a general synonym for verbally in every context.
Easily confused with orally
Orally refers to something done through speech or the mouth, whereas aurally refers to something done through hearing.