What does "verbatim" mean?
A word-for-word report of a speech.
Verbatim
/vɜːˈbeɪ.tɪm/ adj, adv, noun
adj, adv, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A word-for-word report of a speech.
- Grammar: verbatim is listed as adj, adv, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolutely, accurate, accurately, authentic.
- Useful contrasts: figurative meaning, paraphrased, paraphrastic.
- Usage evidence: For accurate study results questions must be asked verbatim.
How to use "verbatim"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "verbatim" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "verbatim" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "verbatim" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "verbatim" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "verbatim" is acting as adj, adv, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolutely" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "verbatim", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A word-for-word report of a speech.
Adjective
- 1 Corresponding with the original word for word.
"Date unknown: Joint Committee on Printing Congress of the United States, General Statement of Procedure for Verbatim Reporting of Proceedings in Senate Chamber, page five:"
- 2 Able to take down a speech word for word, especially in shorthand.
"Some States require voice writers to pass a test and to earn State licensure. As a substitute for State licensure, the National Verbatim Reporters Association offers three national certifications to voice writers: Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR), the Certificate of Merit (CM), and Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR). Earning these certifications is sufficient to be licensed in States where the voice method of court reporting is permitted."
Adjective
- 1 in precisely the same words used by a writer or speaker wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Word for word; in exactly the same words as were used originally. not-comparable
"I have copied his speech verbatim, so this is exactly what he said, word for word."
- 2 Orally; verbally. not-comparable, obsolete
"I […]am not able Verbatim to rehearse the method of my pen"
Adverb
- 1 using exactly the same words wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"For accurate study results questions must be asked verbatim."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "verbatim"?
Common synonyms include: absolutely, accurate, accurately, authentic, authentic testimonial, bona fide.
How do you use "verbatim" in a sentence?
For accurate study results questions must be asked verbatim.
How do you pronounce "verbatim"?
Pronounced /vɜːˈbeɪ.tɪm/.
Etymology
Attested in English since 1481 (therefore considered a Middle English derivation by some): from Medieval Latin verbātim (“word for word”), from Latin verbum (“word”) + -ātim (adverbial suffix).