verbally

[ vur-buh-lee ]

adverb

1. using spoken words rather than written words; orally:

   The committee verbally OK’d the park renewal plan.

2. by the use of words, rather than by physical means:

   Pain inflicted verbally can leave deep, invisible scars.

3. Grammar. with the function of a verb:

   When used verbally, the term ‘bird-dog’ is hyphenated.

Other Words From

• non·verbal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbally¹

First recorded in 1570–70; verbal ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Doyle and Ferentz were the only coaches mentioned by name in the report, though three coaches were accused of bullying players and being verbally abusive.

From Washington Post

The board also raised the question of whether officers should have a duty to self-report when someone verbally accuses them of bias, or when a video turns up on social media.

From Voice of San Diego

During the voting, Bowser called on each of the three women electors to verbally announce the two candidates for whom they voted, first for president and then for vice president.

From Washington Blade

Lily had volunteered to take part in some live matchmaking by verbally filling out one of our questionnaires on stage.

From Washington Post

Neekoly Solis, an SDSU junior and first-year transfer student, said each test-taker now has to verbally explain each of their calculations to their webcam every time they use their calculators during an exam.

From Voice of San Diego

She was sexually and verbally abused, leading her to the brink of suicide.

From The Daily Beast

For the next hour, she verbally humiliated him while he licked her boots and feet until they were completely cleaned.

From The Daily Beast

Uber driver allegedly verbally and physically abuses passenger, Uber neglects to even apologize.

From The Daily Beast

Portman verbally endorsed same-sex marriage after his son came out as gay in 2013.

From The Daily Beast

In November 2013, a San Francisco man alleged that he was physically and verbally abused by an Uber driver.

From The Daily Beast

I have translated this sentence verbally from my note-book, as it may give some idea of Mademoiselle Sillery.

From Project Gutenberg

But then, too, I wasn't thinking about pay for lawyers but she made that connection verbally in my presence.

From Project Gutenberg

The conversation, it must be admitted, sounds commonplace when verbally recorded.

From Project Gutenberg

This league is made verbally if the party cannot write; and such as can write sign a written covenant with their blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably cited from recollection of Saint Augustine, but the passage is not verbally to be found.

From Project Gutenberg