Ask Difference

Aural vs. Oral — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
Aural pertains to the ear or sense of hearing, while Oral relates to the mouth or spoken expression.
Aural vs. Oral — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Aural and Oral

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Key Differences

Aural and Oral might sound similar, but they address different human faculties. Aural is concerned with the ears and the sense of hearing. On the other hand, Oral involves the mouth, especially in the context of speech or verbal communication.
In daily interactions, when someone talks about Aural skills, they're referencing abilities associated with hearing. Meanwhile, Oral skills generally revolve around speaking abilities, articulation, or matters directly linked with the mouth.
From a medical perspective, Aural checks or treatments involve the ears, such as tests for hearing. Conversely, Oral examinations or treatments involve the mouth, teeth, gums, and related areas.
In the realm of education, students might engage in Aural comprehension exercises where they listen and understand spoken content. In contrast, Oral presentations or assessments focus on students conveying information verbally.
Lastly, when you hear music or sounds, you're having an Aural experience. When you engage in a conversation, express ideas, or use your mouth for any activity, that's an Oral experience.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Pertains to the ear or hearing
Relates to the mouth or speech

Body Part

Ear
Mouth

Related Activities

Listening, hearing
Speaking, articulating

Common Context

Audio, music
Conversation, presentation

Etymology

Latin "auris" (ear)
Latin "os" (mouth)

Compare with Definitions

Aural

Concerned with listening.
Aural skills are vital for musicians.

Oral

Related to speaking.
His Oral presentation skills were commendable.

Aural

Of or about sound perception.
The movie had a rich Aural landscape.

Oral

Delivered by word of mouth.
Ancient tales were often passed down through Oral traditions.

Aural

Pertaining to hearing.
She had a keen Aural sensitivity to musical tones.

Oral

Pertaining to the mouth.
She maintained excellent Oral hygiene.

Aural

Related to the ear.
His Aural health was excellent, with no hearing issues.

Oral

Involving verbal communication.
The teacher assessed the students' Oral proficiency.

Aural

Connected with audio experiences.
The podcast offered a unique Aural journey.

Oral

Spoken rather than written; verbal
They had reached an oral agreement

Aural

Relating to the ear or the sense of hearing
Information held in written, aural, or visual form
Aural anatomy

Oral

Relating to the mouth
Oral hygiene

Aural

Of, relating to, or perceived by the ear.

Oral

A spoken examination or test
A French oral

Aural

Characterized by or relating to an aura.

Oral

Spoken rather than written.

Aural

Of or pertaining to the ear.

Oral

Of or relating to the mouth
Oral surgery.

Aural

Of or pertaining to sound.

Oral

Used in or taken through the mouth
An oral thermometer.
An oral vaccine.

Aural

Of or pertaining to an aura.

Oral

Consisting of or using speech
Oral instruction.

Aural

Of or pertaining to the air, or to an aura.

Oral

(Linguistics) Articulated through the mouth only, with the nasal passages closed.

Aural

Of or pertaining to the ear; as, aural medicine and surgery.

Oral

Often orals An academic examination in which questions and answers are spoken rather than written.

Aural

Of or pertaining to hearing or the ear;
An animal with a very sensitive aural apparatus

Oral

(pharmacology) Done or taken by the mouth.

Aural

Relating to or characterized by an aura;
Various aural effects that precede a migraine headache

Oral

Pronounced by the voice resonating in the mouth, as the vowels in English.

Oral

Of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependency and aggressiveness.

Oral

(relational) Spoken rather than written.

Oral

Relating to the transmission of information or literature by word of mouth.

Oral

Using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deaf.

Oral

Not having reached the stage of literacy.

Oral

(countable) A spoken test or examination, particularly in a language class.
We've got our Spanish oral tomorrow.

Oral

A physical examination of the mouth.

Oral

Uttered by the mouth, or in words; spoken, not written; verbal; as, oral traditions; oral testimony; oral law.

Oral

Of or pertaining to the mouth; surrounding or lining the mouth; as, the oral cavity; oral cilia or cirri.

Oral

An examination conducted by word of mouth

Oral

Using speech rather than writing;
An oral tradition
An oral agreement

Oral

Of or relating to or affecting or for use in the mouth;
Oral hygiene
An oral thermometer
An oral vaccine

Oral

Of or involving the mouth or mouth region or the surface on which the mouth is located;
The oral cavity
The oral mucous membrane
The oral surface of a starfish

Common Curiosities

Is an Oral test always spoken?

Yes, an Oral test involves speaking and verbal responses.

Are there Oral traditions in cultures?

Yes, many cultures have stories and knowledge passed down verbally, known as Oral traditions.

Can music be considered an Aural experience?

Absolutely, listening to music involves Aural perception.

Does Aural always relate to hearing?

Yes, Aural primarily pertains to the ears or sense of hearing.

Which body parts are associated with Aural and Oral?

Aural is associated with the ear, while Oral is linked to the mouth.

Can Oral also mean taken through the mouth, like medicine?

Yes, medicines taken through the mouth are termed as Oral medications.

What's an example of an Oral activity?

Speaking, singing, or any activity using the mouth and voice.

How can I remember the difference between Aural and Oral?

Think of Aural as "audio" (hearing) and Oral as "oration" (speaking).

Are Aural and Oral pronounced the same?

They sound similar, but have distinct pronunciations and meanings.

Is Aural learning about listening?

Yes, Aural learners prefer to hear information to understand and learn.

Which word is more related to sound: Aural or Oral?

Aural, as it pertains to hearing and sound perception.

Can Oral also refer to dental matters?

Yes, matters concerning teeth and gums are also considered Oral topics.

Does an Aural examination involve the ears?

Yes, it's a check-up related to hearing or ear health.

Do audiologists deal with Aural matters?

Yes, audiologists specialize in Aural health and hearing.

Is an Oral agreement legally binding?

While Oral agreements can be legally binding, they're harder to prove than written contracts.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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