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Introduction
Although the words “aural and oral” sound nearly identical, they have distinct meanings. “Aural” pertains to the ear or the sense of hearing, while “oral” relates to the mouth.
In this post, we will delve into the differences between these two terms in more detail!
Confused Words: Aural and Oral
Aural or Oral? These two terms often cause confusion due to their similar pronunciation (aw·ruhl). Understanding the difference between them is important. “Aural” refers to the ear or the sense of hearing, while “oral” pertains to the mouth.
What Does Aural Mean?
The word aural is an adjective. It refers to sounds perceived by the ear. The term comes from Latin auris (ear) + -al. Here is the etymology of the word:
Etymology:
The word “aural” originates from the Latin word “auris,” which means “ear.” The suffix “-al” is added to form an adjective, indicating a relation to hearing or the ear. Thus, “aural” literally means “related to the ear.”
Synonyms of aural: auditory, acoustical, acoustic., auricular, audial, heard, perceptible, otic, sound-related, hearing-related
- Hearing-related
- Otic
- Sound-related
Examples:
- Aural rehabilitation is the process of identifying and diagnosing a hearing loss.
- Some people prefer visual learning to aural learning.
- The aural experience of the concert was unforgettable, with perfect acoustics and sound quality.
- Audiobooks provide an aural alternative to traditional reading.
- The artist used a combination of visual and aural elements to create a multimedia installation.
- Aural skills are crucial for musicians, as they need to discern pitch and rhythm accurately.
- The doctor performed an aural examination to check for any signs of infection in the patient’s ears.
What Does Oral Mean?
The word “oral” is an adjective that relates to the mouth. It is commonly used to describe activities or actions involving the mouth, such as speaking, or processes like oral hygiene. “Oral” can refer to anything from verbal communication to medical treatments administered through the mouth.
Etymology
The word “oral” comes from the Latin word “os,” which means “mouth.” The suffix “-al” is added to form an adjective, indicating a relation to the mouth. Thus, “oral” literally means “related to the mouth.”
Synonyms of oral: spoken, verbal, unwritten, vocal, uttered, said, articulated
Examples:
- She passed her oral exams.
- He didn’t sign the contract. It was only an oral agreement about the deal.
- The doctor performed an oral examination to check for any dental issues.
- Oral storytelling is an important tradition in many cultures.
- The teacher gave an oral presentation to explain the new lesson.
- Oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
- They had an oral history project where they interviewed local elders.
Conclusion
Aural and oral have similar pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings. Aural relates to the sense of hearing or the ear, while oral pertains to the mouth or spoken communication.
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