verbalism

[ vur-buh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. a verbal expression, as a word or phrase.
2. the way in which something is worded; choice of words; phrasing.
3. a phrase or sentence having little or no meaning.
4. a use of words considered as predominating over or obscuring ideas or reality; verbiage.

verbalism

/ ˈvɜːbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a verbal expression; phrase or word
2. an exaggerated emphasis on the importance of words by the uncritical acceptance of assertions in place of explanations, the use of rhetorical style, etc
3. a statement lacking real content, esp a cliché

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbalism¹

First recorded in 1780–90; verbal + -ism