Definition of verbally

The word "verbally" has its roots in the Latin verb "verbum," which means "word." In English, "verbally" originally meant "in words" or "using words," as opposed to "non-verbally," which meant "in silence" or "without words." Over time, the meaning of "verbally" expanded to include a sense of speech or communication that is not necessarily carried out in person. For example, a judge might deliver a verdict "verbally," meaning that the decision is communicated through words, rather than being written down. Today, "verbally" is often used to distinguish between spoken and written communication. For instance, a teacher might caution a student against using "verbally abusive" language, implying that the language is intended to be spoken, not written.