Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
preverbal
adjective
/ˌpriːˈvɜːr.bəl/
Definition
Relating to a stage of development before speech occurs.
Examples
- During the preverbal stage, infants communicate their needs through crying and body language.
- Researchers study preverbal children to understand the development of language skills.
Meaning
Preverbal describes a period in a child’s early life when they have not yet developed the ability to use words to communicate. It encompasses communication methods such as gestures, facial expressions, and sounds, which precede verbal language skills.
Synonyms
- Prelinguistic
- Nonverbal
- Prelanguage
