ver•bal^*ˈvɜr bəl(adj.)

1. of or consisting of words:

   verbal ability.

2. spoken rather than written; oral:

   verbal communication.

   Category: Usage Note

3. concerned with words only, rather than with the ideas, facts, or realities expressed:

   a purely verbal distinction.

4. corresponding word for word; verbatim:

   a verbal translation.

5. of, pertaining to, or derived from a verb: used in a sentence as or like a verb.

   a verbal adjective.

   Category: Grammar

6. (n.)a word, esp. a noun or adjective, derived from a verb, as a gerund, infinitive, or participle.

   Category: Grammar

7. a word or group of words functioning as or like a verb.

   Category: Grammar

^* Usage.: verbal has had the meaning “spoken” since the late 16th century and is thus synonymous with oral : I wrote a memorandum to confirm the verbal agreement. This use is sometimes criticized for being etymologically incorrect or ambiguous, though the context usu. makes the meaning clear: No documents are necessary; a verbal order will suffice. oral can always be used if the context demands: My lawyer insists on a written contract because oral agreements are too difficult to enforce.

Origin of verbal:

1485–95; < L verbālis, der. of verb(um) word (see verb )

ver′bal•ly(adv.)