oral
Definitions
Spoken rather than written.
口头的，口述的。
Relating to the mouth.
口腔的，嘴的。
A spoken examination or test.
口试。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedor (mouth) + -al (relating to) = 'of the mouth.' From the literal sense (oral hygiene, the mouth) came the dominant modern sense: spoken, as opposed to written (an oral exam, oral history).
Root or still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
Don't confuse 'oral' (of the mouth / spoken) with 'aural' (of the ear / heard) — they're near-homophones with opposite organs. An oral exam tests speaking; an aural exam tests listening. Also 'verbal' can mean 'in words' (written or spoken), so 'oral agreement' is clearer than 'verbal agreement' when you mean spoken.
Example Sentences
- 1.
We have an oral exam in French next week.
- 2.
The story was passed down through oral tradition.
- 3.
Good oral hygiene prevents tooth decay.
Easily Confused
oral vs aural — oral = of the mouth, spoken; aural = of the ear, heard. They sound almost identical, which is itself a trap. Mouth speaks (oral); ear hears (aural).