You're probably using the word "verbal" wrong. Don't worry; almost everyone does. We use it to describe speaking, like a "verbal agreement" or "verbal abuse," but if you look at the DNA of the word, you’ll realize it’s much broader than just the noise coming out of your mouth.
It’s about words. Any words.
Basically, "verbal" comes from the Latin verbum, which literally means "word." If you write a letter, that’s verbal communication. If you send a text, that’s verbal. If you scream at the top of your lungs without using actual words—just a raw, guttural sound—that is, ironically, non-verbal. It’s confusing, right?
👉 See also: Geneva Farm in Street MD: Why This Harford County Landmark Is More Than Just Golf
Language is messy.
The Core Meaning of Verbal vs. Oral
The biggest headache in the English language might just be the "verbal versus oral" debate. Most of us use them as synonyms. If your boss gives you instructions without writing them down, you call it a verbal warning. However, a linguist would tell you that every warning involving words is verbal. What you actually mean is an oral warning.
Oral specifically refers to the mouth (os or oris in Latin). So, if it’s spoken, it’s oral. If it’s written or spoken, it’s verbal.
Why does this matter? Well, imagine you’re in a legal dispute. You claim you had a "verbal contract." In a strict technical sense, a written contract is also a verbal contract because it uses words. This is why lawyers usually prefer the term "parol contract" or "oral agreement" to specify that nothing was put on paper.
It's kinda wild how we've collectively decided to ignore the actual definition for the sake of convenience.
Why We Get It Wrong
We love shortcuts. "Oral" sounds a bit clinical, maybe even a little bit like a trip to the dentist. "Verbal" feels more natural in conversation. Over centuries, the secondary meaning—"expressed in spoken words"—has become so dominant that even dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford now list it as a primary definition.
But here’s the kicker: if you’re taking a standardized test like the SAT or GRE, the "Verbal" section isn't a speaking test. It’s a reading and writing test. They aren't checking if you can talk; they’re checking your facility with words.
Real-World Examples of Verbal Communication
To really get the meaning of the word verbal, we have to look at how it manifests in the wild.
Think about a mime. A mime is the king of non-verbal communication. They use gestures, facial expressions, and body language. There are no words. Now, think about a silent movie with title cards. Those title cards are verbal communication. Even though nobody is talking, the words on the screen provide the verbal context.
- Sign Language: This is a fascinating middle ground. It is absolutely verbal communication because it uses a structured system of words (signs) and grammar. However, it is non-vocal.
- Body Language: Crossing your arms or rolling your eyes. This is non-verbal. No words are used, yet the message is loud and clear.
- Email: This is 100% verbal. It’s a word-based medium.
Bryan Garner, the authority on legal usage and author of Garner's Modern English Usage, points out that using "verbal" to mean "oral" is so common that it’s usually accepted, but it lacks precision. He suggests that writers who want to be taken seriously should stick to "oral" when they mean spoken and "verbal" when they mean words in general.
Precision is power.
The Legal and Professional Stakes
In business, this distinction isn't just for pedants. It’s for people who want to keep their jobs or avoid lawsuits.
If you tell a client, "I'll give you a verbal update," and then you send a long, detailed email, you have technically fulfilled your promise. You provided words. But if the client was expecting a phone call, they’re going to be annoyed.
In the medical field, "oral" is used with extreme caution. You don’t want a "verbal" medication; you want an "oral" one (taken by mouth). If a doctor says they gave a "verbal order," it means they spoke the instructions rather than writing them in the chart. In this high-stakes environment, the distinction is a matter of safety.
Honestly, it’s about clarity.
How to Use "Verbal" Like a Pro
If you want to sound like you know your stuff, start being picky about these two words.
- Use Oral when you are specifically talking about things said out loud.
- Use Verbal when you are talking about anything involving language, whether it's an essay, a speech, or a text message.
- Use Vocal when you’re talking about the actual sound produced by the voice, regardless of whether words are used (like singing "la la la").
The Psychology of Verbal Intelligence
Psychologists often measure "verbal intelligence." This isn't just about how well you can chat at a party. It's about your ability to analyze information and solve problems using word-based reasoning. This includes your vocabulary, your ability to understand complex reading passages, and how well you can express abstract concepts through language.
When a child is evaluated for "verbal delays," it doesn't always mean they aren't talking. It could mean they are struggling to process the meaning of words or use them in the correct sequence.
It's deep stuff. Words are the tools we use to build our reality.
The Evolution of the Meaning of the Word Verbal
Language isn't static. It’s a living, breathing thing that changes based on how we use it. This is called "semantic shift."
🔗 Read more: Why Fancy Shoes for Men Still Matter in a World of Sneakers
The word "silly" used to mean "blessed." "Awful" used to mean "full of awe." "Verbal" is currently in the middle of a shift. Most people have decided that "verbal" means "spoken." If enough people agree on a "wrong" definition for a long enough time, it eventually becomes the "right" definition.
That’s how English works. It’s a democracy, not a dictatorship.
However, in formal writing—think academic papers, legal briefs, or high-end journalism—the distinction remains. If you’re trying to impress a hiring manager or pass a bar exam, you need to know the "correct" meaning.
Does it actually matter?
Kinda. In casual conversation? No. If you say, "We had a verbal agreement," everyone knows what you mean. Nobody is going to stop you and say, "Actually, you mean an oral agreement."
But if you’re a writer, a lawyer, or a student, the nuances matter. Using the right word at the right time shows a level of care and attention to detail that sets you apart. It shows you’re not just repeating phrases you’ve heard, but that you actually understand the mechanics of communication.
Practical Steps to Master Your Vocabulary
If you’re worried about slipping up, here is a quick way to audit your speech.
Next time you’re about to say "verbal," ask yourself: "Am I talking about the fact that words were used, or am I talking about the fact that someone was speaking?"
💡 You might also like: Buying a Down North Face Coat: Why It Still Dominates the Street and the Summit
If it’s the latter, swap it for "oral."
"He gave an oral presentation."
"We have an oral exam."
"The instructions were given orally."
If you’re talking about a test that covers reading and writing, "verbal" is your best friend.
"Her verbal skills are top-notch."
"The verbal section of the test was brutal."
Also, pay attention to "non-verbal" cues. We often say "his verbal and non-verbal communication didn't match." This is a great way to use the word correctly. The verbal part (the words he used) said "I'm fine," but the non-verbal part (his shaking hands) said "I'm terrified."
Actionable Next Steps
To refine your use of language and ensure you're communicating with maximum clarity, try these three things this week:
- Audit Your Work Emails: Look for instances where you’ve used "verbal." If you’re referring to a conversation you had over coffee, try changing it to "spoken" or "oral" to see how it shifts the tone of your writing.
- Observe Non-Verbal Cues: In your next meeting, mute your internal monologue and just watch people. Note how much information is conveyed without a single verbal element. It will make you more aware of the "words vs. noise" distinction.
- Read a Style Guide: Pick up a copy of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White or check out the AP Stylebook. These resources are the gold standard for understanding why these tiny distinctions in meaning actually carry a lot of weight in the professional world.