verbalism

[ vur-buh-liz-uh m ]
/ ˈvɜr bəˌlɪz əm /

noun

a verbal expression, as a word or phrase.
the way in which something is worded; choice of words; phrasing.
a phrase or sentence having little or no meaning.
a use of words considered as predominating over or obscuring ideas or reality; verbiage.

Origin of verbalism

First recorded in 1780–90; verbal + -ism

Example sentences from the Web for verbalism

  • Verbalism demands a set form used with irreproachable skill.

    Instigations |Ezra Pound

British Dictionary definitions for verbalism

verbalism
/ (ˈvɜːbəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

a verbal expression; phrase or word
an exaggerated emphasis on the importance of words by the uncritical acceptance of assertions in place of explanations, the use of rhetorical style, etc
a statement lacking real content, esp a cliché