Word
nonverbal
Phoneticsnon·ver·bal, stress on the second syllable
/nɑnˈvɝbəɫ/
Definition
adj. not using words to share meaning. You use it for gestures, looks, and body language that show how you feel.
adj. involving communication without spoken or written words, such as gestures, facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. Often describes cues that support, replace, or contradict speech.
Examples
“She reads his nonverbal cues very well.”
“During the interview he stays calm and uses steady eye contact and other nonverbal signals to show confidence.”
“The therapist notes the child's nonverbal responses — averted gaze, folded arms, long pauses — as telling indicators of anxiety that words alone do not reveal.”
Examples
simple
“She reads his nonverbal cues very well.”
contextual
“During the interview he stays calm and uses steady eye contact and other nonverbal signals to show confidence.”
complex
“The therapist notes the child's nonverbal responses — averted gaze, folded arms, long pauses — as telling indicators of anxiety that words alone do not reveal.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nonverbal” in context.
Verb
01. communicate through nonverbal
“Dancers communicate through nonverbal movement and facial expression.”
verb + prep + adj
02. rely on nonverbal
“Tourists often rely on nonverbal signs when they do not speak the language.”
verb + prep + adj
Adjective
03. entirely nonverbal
“At six months old, babies are entirely nonverbal and use gestures to communicate.”
adv + adj
04. largely nonverbal
“Their first meeting was largely nonverbal, with smiles and nods.”
adv + adj
05. purely nonverbal
“Eye contact and posture are purely nonverbal forms of expression.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. nonverbal behavior
“Interviewers pay close attention to a candidate's nonverbal behavior.”
adj + noun
07. nonverbal communication
“Nonverbal communication, like smiling, can show friendliness across cultures.”
adj + noun
08. nonverbal cue
“A frown is a clear nonverbal cue that someone is unhappy.”
adj + noun
09. nonverbal signal
“Crossed arms are a common nonverbal signal of defensiveness.”
adj + noun
10. communicate through nonverbal means
“The actors communicate through nonverbal means for most of the play.”
11. interpret nonverbal signals correctly
“It is easy to interpret nonverbal signals correctly with practice.”
12. read nonverbal cues accurately
“Nurses must learn to read nonverbal cues accurately.”
Real-World Examples
“People mostly flirt with nonverbal signals, such as stroking their hair.” Etymology
From non- + verbal.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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