Oral vs. Verbal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 4, 2023
Oral pertains to the mouth or spoken words, while verbal relates to words, whether spoken or written.
Difference Between Oral and Verbal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "Oral" is derived from the Latin word "os" meaning mouth. As such, it often refers to matters associated with the mouth or things that are spoken aloud. On the other hand, "Verbal" is derived from the Latin "verbum," which means word. Verbal, therefore, pertains to anything related to words, be it spoken or written.
Oral is often used in contexts referring to spoken examinations, traditions, or presentations, such as an oral exam. Verbal, however, can refer to anything associated with words. It can be a verbal agreement, which might be spoken, or a verbal description, which could be either spoken or written.
Oral is more specific in its reference to spoken words or things directly associated with the mouth. Verbal is broader, encompassing anything to do with words in general.
In communication, an oral discussion would be one that is spoken between parties. In contrast, a verbal communication could be any exchange using words, whether that's a written note or a spoken conversation.
Sometimes, people use the term "verbal" when they specifically mean spoken. However, this can lead to ambiguity, as "verbal" doesn't distinguish between written or spoken words, whereas "oral" clearly indicates spoken words or sounds from the mouth.
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Comparison Chart
Root Meaning
From "os" meaning mouth.
From "verbum" meaning word.
Associated With
Mouth, spoken words.
Words, whether spoken or written.
Specificity
Specific to spoken words.
Broad, can be spoken or written.
Examples
Oral exam, oral tradition.
Verbal agreement, verbal description.
Common Misinterpretation
Sometimes used interchangeably with verbal for spoken.
Sometimes incorrectly used for only spoken words.
Compare with Definitions
Oral
Relating to speech or spoken words.
He presented his project through an oral presentation.
Verbal
Relating to or consisting of words.
He gave a verbal description of the event.
Oral
Pertaining to the mouth.
The dentist conducted an oral examination.
Verbal
Relating to or in the form of words
Verbal abuse
The root of the problem is visual rather than verbal
Oral
Passed down through spoken tradition.
The tribe maintained its history through oral storytelling.
Verbal
Relating to or derived from a verb
A verbal adjective
Oral
Involving the mouth as a primary focus.
Oral hygiene is essential for overall health.
Verbal
A word or words functioning as a verb.
Oral
Spoken rather than written; verbal
They had reached an oral agreement
Verbal
Abuse; insults
Just a bit of air-wave verbals
Oral
Relating to the mouth
Oral hygiene
Verbal
The lyrics of a song or the dialogue of a film
It is the responsibility of the directors to do better with the verbals
Oral
A spoken examination or test
A French oral
Verbal
A verbal statement containing a damaging admission alleged to have been made to the police, and offered as evidence by the prosecution.
Oral
Spoken rather than written.
Verbal
Attribute a damaging statement to (a suspect), especially dishonestly.
Oral
Of or relating to the mouth
Oral surgery.
Verbal
Of, relating to, or associated with words
A detailed verbal description.
Oral
Used in or taken through the mouth
An oral thermometer.
An oral vaccine.
Verbal
Concerned with words only rather than with content or ideas
A merely verbal distinction.
Oral
Consisting of or using speech
Oral instruction.
Verbal
Consisting of words alone without action
A verbal confrontation.
Oral
(Linguistics) Articulated through the mouth only, with the nasal passages closed.
Verbal
Expressed in spoken rather than written words; oral
A verbal contract.
Oral
Often orals An academic examination in which questions and answers are spoken rather than written.
Verbal
Corresponding word for word; literal
A verbal translation.
Oral
(pharmacology) Done or taken by the mouth.
Verbal
Relating to, having the nature or function of, or derived from a verb.
Oral
Pronounced by the voice resonating in the mouth, as the vowels in English.
Verbal
Used to form verbs
A verbal suffix.
Oral
Of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits of passive dependency and aggressiveness.
Verbal
Of or relating to proficiency in the use and understanding of words
A verbal aptitude test.
Oral
(relational) Spoken rather than written.
Verbal
A verbal noun or adjective.
Oral
Relating to the transmission of information or literature by word of mouth.
Verbal
Of or relating to words.
Oral
Using speech or the lips especially in teaching the deaf.
Verbal
Concerned with the words, rather than the substance of a text.
Oral
Not having reached the stage of literacy.
Verbal
Consisting of words only.
Oral
(countable) A spoken test or examination, particularly in a language class.
We've got our Spanish oral tomorrow.
Verbal
Expressly spoken rather than written; oral.
A verbal contract
A verbal testimony
Oral
A physical examination of the mouth.
Verbal
(grammar) Derived from, or having the nature of a verb.
Oral
Uttered by the mouth, or in words; spoken, not written; verbal; as, oral traditions; oral testimony; oral law.
Verbal
(grammar) Used to form a verb.
Oral
Of or pertaining to the mouth; surrounding or lining the mouth; as, the oral cavity; oral cilia or cirri.
Verbal
Capable of speech.
Oral
An examination conducted by word of mouth
Verbal
Word for word.
A verbal translation
Oral
Using speech rather than writing;
An oral tradition
An oral agreement
Verbal
(obsolete) Abounding with words; verbose.
Oral
Of or relating to or affecting or for use in the mouth;
Oral hygiene
An oral thermometer
An oral vaccine
Verbal
A verb form which does not function as a predicate, or a word derived from a verb. In English, infinitives, participles and gerunds are verbals.
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
Verbal
A spoken confession given to police.
Oral
Expressed aloud rather than written.
She preferred oral feedback to written comments.
Verbal
Talk; speech, especially banter or scolding.
Verbal
To induce into fabricating a confession.
Verbal
Expressed in words, whether spoken or written, but commonly in spoken words; hence, spoken; oral; not written; as, a verbal contract; verbal testimony.
Made she no verbal question?
We subjoin an engraving . . . which will give the reader a far better notion of the structure than any verbal description could convey to the mind.
Verbal
Consisting in, or having to do with, words only; dealing with words rather than with the ideas intended to be conveyed; as, a verbal critic; a verbal change.
And loses, though but verbal, his reward.
Mere verbal refinements, instead of substantial knowledge.
Verbal
Having word answering to word; word for word; literal; as, a verbal translation.
Verbal
Abounding with words; verbose.
Verbal
Of or pertaining to a verb; as, a verbal group; derived directly from a verb; as, a verbal noun; used in forming verbs; as, a verbal prefix.
Verbal
A noun derived from a verb.
Verbal
Communicated in the form of words;
Verbal imagery
A verbal protest
Verbal
Of or relating to or formed from words in general;
Verbal ability
Verbal
Of or relating to or formed from a verb;
Verbal adjectives like `running' in `hot and cold running water'
Verbal
Relating to or having facility in the use of words;
A good poet is a verbal artist
A merely verbal writer who sacrifices content to sound
Verbal aptitude
Verbal
Expressed in spoken words;
A verbal contract
Verbal
Prolix;
You put me to forget a lady's manners by being so verbal
Verbal
Expressed in spoken or written form.
They had a verbal agreement to meet at noon.
Verbal
Concerning words and language.
Her verbal skills were commendable.
Verbal
Arising from or using words.
The verbal dispute lasted for hours.
Verbal
Involving or related to words, either spoken or written.
The test assessed both written and verbal abilities.
Common Curiosities
Does "oral examination" have an alternative meaning?
Yes, "oral examination" can refer to a spoken test or to an examination of the mouth by a healthcare professional.
What is the primary distinction between "oral" and "verbal"?
"Oral" specifically refers to spoken words, while "verbal" pertains to anything related to words, both spoken and written.
Is "verbal communication" the same as "oral communication"?
No, "oral communication" strictly involves speech, whereas "verbal communication" can involve both spoken and written words.
Can "oral" refer to parts of the body?
Yes, "oral" can refer to anything related to the mouth, such as "oral hygiene."
Can "verbal" refer to vocabulary or linguistic abilities?
Yes, "verbal" can pertain to anything related to words and language, including a person's vocabulary or linguistic abilities.
Is a "verbal score" related to spoken abilities?
Not necessarily. A "verbal score" on a test (like the SAT) assesses understanding and usage of words, often through reading and writing tasks.
Can "verbal" be used to refer to non-verbal symbols?
No, "verbal" relates only to words, whether spoken or written, and not to non-verbal forms of communication.
What does "verbal abuse" encompass?
"Verbal abuse" refers to harmful, damaging use of words, which can be both spoken or written, to demean or hurt someone.
Is "oral tradition" related to written texts?
No, "oral tradition" specifically pertains to cultural information or traditions passed down through generations via spoken word.
Can "verbal" imply oral expression?
Yes, "verbal" can refer to spoken words, but it's not limited to them, also encompassing written words.
Can "oral" be used to describe a type of medical administration?
Yes, "oral" can describe a method of administering medication, meaning taken through the mouth.
Is "oral history" a written record?
No, "oral history" refers to historical information that is conveyed and preserved through spoken accounts.
Does "verbal agreement" require written documentation?
No, a "verbal agreement" is based on spoken words and does not require a written record, though it may be less legally binding.
Can "verbal" be used to describe other forms of language like sign language?
Traditional usage restricts "verbal" to spoken and written words, but some argue it could encompass any form of language using words, including sign language, depending on the context.
What does "oral cavity" refer to?
"Oral cavity" refers to the mouth, including its structures such as teeth and tongue.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
