What is the Difference Between Verbal and Oral?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between verbal and oral lies in their specific meanings and usage:
- Verbal: This term refers to things that are put into words, whether written or spoken. It is derived from the Latin word "verbum," which means "word". Verbal can be used to describe both written and spoken language.
- Oral: This term pertains to the mouth, medications taken by mouth, and things that are spoken. It comes from the Latin word "os," which means "mouth". Oral is more specific than verbal and exclusively refers to spoken words.
While both verbal and oral can be used to describe spoken language, oral is more specific and focused on the aspect of speech coming from the mouth. Traditionally, English authorities have advised against using verbal to refer to spoken things, but this distinction is not strictly followed in modern usage.
Comparative Table: Verbal vs Oral
The difference between verbal and oral communication can be summarized as follows:
| Verbal Communication | Oral Communication |
|---|---|
| Refers to the use of words, both spoken and written, to convey information | Refers to the exchange of ideas, information, and messages through spoken words |
| It includes oral communication, written messages, sign language, and other forms of exchange involving words | It is a type of verbal communication that takes place by speaking, such as conversations, speeches, and meetings |
| Involves both spoken words and nonverbal cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language | Can be either interpersonal or asynchronous, meaning communication takes place at different times |
| Requires participants to be literate | Has the possibility of misunderstanding, although it tends to be less common than in oral communication |
In summary, verbal communication encompasses all forms of communication that involve words, including spoken and written words. Oral communication, on the other hand, is a subset of verbal communication that specifically refers to the exchange of information through spoken words.
- Oral vs Written Communication
- Written Report vs Oral Report
- Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication
- Verbal vs Written Warning
- Speech vs Language
- Written English vs Spoken English
- Speak vs Talk
- Listening vs Hearing
- Sound vs Voice
- Language vs Communication
- Say vs Tell
- Verbs vs Nouns
- Verbal Irony vs Sarcasm
- Listen vs Hear
- Grammar vs Vocabulary
- Sign Language vs Spoken Language
- Language vs Communication Skills
- Formal vs Informal
- Talk, Speak vs Say