What does verbally mean?
Verbal is an adverb meaning in words, especially by speech rather than in writing. It often describes agreements, responses, questions, or communication that take a spoken form: two people may agree verbally even when no document is signed. In broader use, it can distinguish language or explanation from physical performance, as in saying that instructions are easy to state verbally but difficult to carry out. The word is neutral in tone and common in formal as well as everyday contexts. Etymologically, it comes from verbal, an adjective built from Latin verbum, “word,” through Latin verbalis. That transparent history helps explain why verbally is closely associated with the act of speaking. Its practical value lies in making explicit whether communication happened through words—typically speech—or through some other medium. Although often contrasted with writing, verbally can also contrast with silence, gesture, or action rather than referring only to conversation in opposition to documents.
adverbIn words or speech, especially as opposed to writing or non-verbal action.
- In words or speech, especially as opposed to writing, physical action, or other forms of non-verbal communication.
"We agreed verbally, but I would prefer the terms in writing."
"The two witnesses later confirmed that the agreement had been made verbally."
"In the remote village, the warning was passed verbally from house to house."
The root of “verbally” is Latin verbum, meaning “word”—the same source behind verb, verbose, and verbatim.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does verbally come from?
The adverb was formed from the adjective verbal by adding the suffix -ly. Verbal comes through Medieval Latin verbalis, meaning “of or pertaining to words,” from Latin verbum, “word.” The same Latin root underlies cognates such as verb, verbose, and verbatim.
How verbally is actually used
The word is neutral in tone and common in both formal and everyday contexts. It may imply spoken communication specifically, but it can also contrast with writing, gesture, or action generally.
Easily confused with verbally
Verbal is an adjective relating to words, as in “a verbal agreement,” whereas verbally is an adverb describing an action performed in words.