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

“To have someone who can challenge you and go back and forth verbally and have it turn into something that’s not violent is a way of improving oneself.”

From Los Angeles Times

An investigation found the Reform UK MP for Ashfield “verbally insulted” the guard twice when asked to show his pass as he tried to enter the Parliamentary estate in November 2023.

From BBC

She was overlooked for rides, verbally abused and ridiculed by other staff at her stables, but still went on to become the first professional jockey to ride a winner in British Flat racing when, aged 22, she guided The Goldstone to victory at Salisbury in 1978.

From BBC

Nigerian politician Alex Ikwechegh has caused outrage after he was caught on video slapping and verbally abusing a taxi driver delivering food to his house.

From BBC

Far-right podcaster Steven Crowder, who garnered national attention last year after a video showing him verbally abusing his pregnant then-wife went viral, criticized Texas' no-fault laws for empowering a spouse to leave even if the other doesn't agree.

From Salon