Confusing Words: Aural (adjective) and Oral (adjective)
Meaning:
Aural (relating to the ear or the sense of hearing.)
Oral (The word oral means having to do with the mouth or speaking.)
Clarification: Aural and oral are not interchangeable.
Aural vs Oral – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
If you say out both aural and oral together, you will feel that these words sound exactly same. However, there is a very slight difference in pronunciation between aural and oral. Apart from their pronunciations, the meanings of both of these words are totally different from each other. Both of these words are related to the human senses.
Continue reading the post to find out the actual differences between aural and oral.
Aural
This particular word is used as an adjective within sentences. Aural means the sense of hearing. This word is referring to the ears. It means that it refers to the things that are heard by you or anyone else.
1. I have to listen each and every point carefully because the examiner will test my aural skills at the end of the session.
2. Every music’s aim is to give an aural delight to everyone.
3. I came to love silence, because it’s so rare, and it’s now my favorite aural condition. (Mike Nichols)
You will remember this word if you have an idea about auditory. It is also related to the sense of hearing. Both aural and auditory have –au in them. So, you can recall the word aural by saying auditory.
Oral
This particular word is also used as an adjective within sentences. Unlike aural, oral is related to the mouth. If you are to say oral, you should think about the speech instead of writing.
1. The teacher will take an oral test by tomorrow.
2. My appointment for an oral surgery is about to come.
3. All history was at first oral. (Samuel Johnson)
Got the Difference?
From the above discussion, it has been clear that aural and oral are both different words in term of meaning.
Aural is related to the ear. (Hearing)
Oral is related to the mouth. (Speech)
The following example is best suited for both of these words.
• Aural learners learn most effectively by listening to information delivered orally in lectures, speeches, and oral sessions. (unknown)
What Did You Learn?
Aural and oral are not interchangeable. Both of these words are used as adjectives within sentences. Though, their pronunciations are slightly similar but they do not share same meanings. Aural is used, only, to refer the ears because it is related to the sense of hearing. Oral, on the other hand, is always related to the mouth i.e. speech.