orally

[awr-uh-lee]

adverb

1. through or by means of speech; vocally.

   The agreement cannot be changed or terminated orally; all changes must be made in writing.

   First written down millenia ago, the ancient Vedic texts continue to be passed down orally even today.

2. through or by means of the mouth.

   These medications can either be taken orally or injected under the skin.

Other Word Forms

• nonorally adverb
• postorally adverb
• suborally adverb
• unorally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of orally¹

oral ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

"In the heat of the moment, sometimes you forget to declare an interest orally in the chamber," she said, adding she would "take on board the comments of the commissioner".

From BBC

He also told the outlet that both parties had “fruitful discussions” in the weeks after the photos were posted, with Lopez’s team orally agreeing to a monetary settlement.

From Los Angeles Times

"The only way that Irish history and mythology was passed down was orally. I think that's why it's important for us to have that intertwined with our music," Móglaí Bap told Crack magazine last year.

From BBC

A federal judge on Monday was incredulous at the contention by the Trump administration that his directive to turn around deportation flights wasn’t binding because it was made orally.

From Los Angeles Times

Eleven of 12 infants who received a higher dose of the therapy were able to sit unassisted, speak and be fed orally.

From Salon

Related Words

• personally