Etymology

Adverb

1. Word for word; in exactly the same words as were used originally.

   I have copied his speech and here it is, verbatim.

   • 1971: Denis Mahon, Studies in Seicento Art and Theory, p317

     …in several instances Mancini’s text is virtually reproduced verbatim by Bellori.¹²⁰

Related terms

• gradatim

• literatim

• seriatim

Synonyms

• in so many words

• word for word

Adjective

1. Corresponding with the original word for word.
   • Date unknown: Joint Committee on Printing Congress of the United States, General Statement of Procedure for Verbatim Reporting of Proceedings in Senate Chamber, pV
   • 1917: Andreĭ Ivanovich Shingarev, Russia and Her Allies: Extract from the Verbatim Report of the Imperial Duma, IV ^th Session, 16 ^th Sitting, p3
   • 2002: Michael Quim Patton, Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, p381

     Ironically, verbatim note taking can interfere with listening attentively.

2. Able to take down a speech word for word, especially in shorthand.
   • U.S. Department of Labor's description of court reporter's job

     Some States require voice writers to pass a test and to earn State licensure. As a substitute for State licensure, the National Verbatim Reporters Association offers three national certifications to voice writers: Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR), the Certificate of Merit (CM), and Real-Time Verbatim Reporter (RVR). Earning these certifications is sufficient to be licensed in States where the voice method of court reporting is permitted.

Etymology