nonverbal

IPA/ˌnɒnˈvɜː.bəl/
KK[nɑnvˈɚbəl]IPA/ˌnɑːnˈvɝː.bəl/

nonverbal — adjective

  • nonverbalpositive
  • more nonverbalcomparative
  • most nonverbalsuperlative

1. not involving the use of spoken or written words; communicated through body lang

1.形容詞B2
釋義

not involving the use of spoken or written words; communicated through body language, facial expressions, gestures, or other means that do not rely on language.

例句

Lucía's facial expressions and gestures are an important part of her nonverbal communication.

attributive: nonverbal communication

The teacher used pictures as nonverbal cues to help the children follow the morning routine.

collocation: nonverbal cues

同義詞
  • wordless

    more poetic or literary; emphasizes the absence of speech in a specific moment rather than a general communication mode

  • unspoken

    focuses on thoughts or feelings that are understood without being said aloud; often implies a shared understanding

  • silent

    broader term that can mean 'without any sound' rather than specifically 'without words'; less precise in academic contexts

反義詞
  • verbal

    direct opposite; involving or expressed through words

  • spoken

    contrasts specifically with methods that do not use speech

文法句型

nonverbal + noun (e.g. nonverbal communication)

be + nonverbal

用法筆記

Often used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'communication', 'cue', 'signal', and 'behavior'. The noun it modifies typically refers to a channel or element of interaction rather than a person.

常見錯誤

❌She remained nonverbal during the meeting because she was angry.
✅She remained silent during the meeting because she was angry.
💡'nonverbal' describes communication without words, not a deliberate choice to stay quiet.

2. unable to produce speech or use language to communicate, either temporarily or a

2.形容詞B2
釋義

unable to produce speech or use language to communicate, either temporarily or as a long-term condition.

例句

Salma helps nonverbal children who use picture boards to tell caregivers what they need.

attributive: nonverbal children

Mr. Okonkwo was nonverbal after his stroke and wrote his answers on a notepad.

predicative: was temporarily nonverbal

同義詞
  • speechless

    temporary state caused by strong emotion rather than a lasting condition; less clinical

  • mute

    older term that some find outdated or offensive when referring to people; 'nonverbal' is preferred in modern professional contexts

反義詞
  • verbal

    able to use words; the broad opposite

  • vocal

    focuses specifically on the ability to produce spoken sounds

文法句型

nonverbal + noun (person: child, patient, student)

person + be + nonverbal

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 describes the inability of a living being to speak, while sense 1 describes a mode or channel of communication that does not use words. When applied to people, this sense often appears in medical, educational, and therapeutic contexts and should be used with sensitivity.

常見錯誤

❌The shy student was nonverbal during the presentation.
✅The shy student was unable to speak during the presentation.
💡'nonverbal' implies a functional inability to speak, not temporary nervousness or shyness.