Word
orally
Phoneticsoral·ly
US/ˈɔɹəɫi/
UK/ˈɔːɹəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. by mouth or through speaking. You use this when talking about taking medicine or giving information out loud instead of writing it down.
adv. by means of the mouth, especially in relation to the consumption of medicine or the spoken delivery of information.
Examples
“The doctor told me to take the medicine orally.”
“The ancient legends were passed down orally for generations before anyone finally wrote them in a book.”
“While the contract was initially discussed orally during the meeting, the legal department insisted that every clause be documented in writing to ensure it remained enforceable.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor told me to take the medicine orally.”
contextual
“The ancient legends were passed down orally for generations before anyone finally wrote them in a book.”
complex
“While the contract was initially discussed orally during the meeting, the legal department insisted that every clause be documented in writing to ensure it remained enforceable.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies, especially in medical or formal contexts.
Etymology
From oral + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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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englishreference.com/q/orally