Definition

Describing a stage in development where a person has not yet learned to speak or communicate using words.

Example

Preverbal children often express their needs through gestures and facial expressions.

Conversation

Have you noticed how preverbal toddlers communicate their needs?

Yeah, it's fascinating to see how they use gestures instead of words.

Exactly! It’s amazing how expressive they can be without speaking.

Totally! Those preverbal sounds can convey so much emotion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preverbal → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "verbal" (from Latin "verbum", meaning word). The word "preverbal" refers to something that occurs before the use of words or speech.

Memory Tip

Think of 'before' ('pre-') and 'word' ('verbum') to remember that 'preverbal' describes something that happens before speaking.

Visually Confused Words