# verbatim

/vɝˈbeɪtəm/ (US) · /vɜːbˈeɪtɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/verbatim
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. word for word

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

in exactly the same words as were used originally.

For teachers: in a manner that follows the original source word for word, without paraphrase or alteration.

- The student copied the paragraph verbatim from the website without giving credit.
- The witness was asked to repeat the conversation verbatim, though she admitted her memory of the specific phrasing was beginning to fade.

Usage: Typically follows the verb it modifies, such as 'repeat', 'copy', or 'quote'.

### 2. exactly matching

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describing a piece of writing or speech that is an exact copy of the original.

For teachers: corresponding exactly with the original source; non-gradable.

- The newspaper published a verbatim report of the president's speech.
- The legal team required a verbatim transcript of the deposition to identify any inconsistencies in the testimony.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- She repeated my words verbatim.
- The witness was asked to recount the conversation verbatim to ensure no details were lost or misinterpreted.
- While the journalist captured the essence of the speech, the official transcript provided a verbatim record of every hesitation and rhetorical flourish.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.