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nonverbal

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /nɒnˈvɜːbəl/

KK: /nɑnˈvɜrbl/

adjective
Definition

Relating to communication or expression that does not use words, such as gestures, facial expressions, or body language.


Example

Nonverbal cues can often convey more meaning than spoken words.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever noticed how much we communicate in nonverbal ways?
Sloth B
Absolutely! Body language can say a lot more than words sometimes.
Sloth A
It's interesting how we can pick up on nonverbal cues without even realizing it.
Sloth B
Right? Those signals can really change the meaning of a conversation.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gestural
visual
tacit
Antonyms
verbal
spoken
oral
Root Explanation

Nonverbal → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "verbal" (from Latin "verbum", meaning word). The word "nonverbal" refers to communication that does not involve words.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') using 'words' ('verbum') — that's why nonverbal means communication without words.

Visually Confused Words
nonadverbial
overbalm
novercal
verbal
noncerebral
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