Use verbatim when you need to describe a quote, report, or statement that is reproduced without any change to the original wording.
Use verbatim when you need to describe a quote, report, or statement that is reproduced without any change to the original wording.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He wrote the report verbatimly. | He wrote the report verbatim. |
| The verbatim was confusing. | The verbatim quote was confusing. |
| Their opinions are verbatim. | Their opinions are identical. |
| She gave a verbatim summary. | She gave a literal summary. |
Use verbatim to indicate that something is repeated or written in exactly the same words as the source, whether spoken or written.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| He repeated the story verbatimly. | He repeated the story verbatim. |
| The verbatim story was boring. | The story was repeated verbatim. |
| He repeated the story in verbatim. | He repeated the story verbatim. |
| The verbatim was hard to read. | The verbatim transcription was hard to read. |
Use verbatim when you need to stress that something is reproduced exactly as originally expressed, whether as an adjective describing a quote or as an adverb describing the manner of repetition.
The most frequent error is adding -ly to form verbatimly instead of the correct verbatim.
What does verbatim mean?
Verbatim means word‑for‑word, exactly as originally expressed.
Can verbatim be used as both an adjective and an adverb?
Yes, it works as an adjective to describe a quote and as an adverb to describe the manner of repetition.
Is verbatimly a correct form?
No, verbatimly is not a word; the correct form is simply verbatim.
What are common synonyms for verbatim?
Synonyms include exact, precise, literal, unaltered, faithful, accurate, word‑for‑word, and true.
What is an antonym of verbatim?
Opposites are inexact and approximate.
How should I use verbatim in a legal document?
State that a clause or quotation must be followed verbatim, meaning no changes are allowed.
What is the difference between verbatim and paraphrase?
Verbatim copies the original wording exactly, while paraphrase restates the meaning in different words.
Why is verbatim important in research transcription?
It captures every spoken element, preserving the exact wording, pauses, and filler sounds for accurate analysis.