verbal | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

verbal (adj.)

early 15c., "dealing with words" (especially in contrast to things or realities), from Old French verbal (14c.) and directly from Late Latin verbalis "consisting of words, relating to verbs," from Latin verbum "word" (see verb). Related: Verbally. Verbal conditioning is recorded from 1954. Colloquial verbal diarrhea is recorded from 1823. A verbal noun is a noun derived from a verb and sharing in its senses and constructions.

non-verbal (adj.)

also nonverbal, "not using words," by 1809, from non- + verbal. Related: Non-verbally.

verbalize (v.)

c. 1600, "use too many words," from French verbaliser (16c.); see verbal. Meaning "express in words" is attested from 1875. Related: Verbalized; verbalizing.

preverbal (adj.)

also pre-verbal, "prior to or present before the development of speech," 1931, from pre- "before" + verbal.

bickering (n.)

c. 1300, "a skirmish," verbal noun from bicker (v.). Meaning "a verbal wrangle" is from 1570s.

bussing (n.)

"kissing," 1570s, verbal noun from buss (v.).

wadding (n.)

"stuffing," 1620s, verbal noun from wad (v.).

yelling (n.)

mid-13c., verbal noun from yell (v.).

gardening (n.)

1570s, verbal noun from garden (v.).

stitching (n.)

1520s, verbal noun from stitch (v.).

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