Verbale

Verbale is an Italian term with multiple related meanings, used in both legal/administrative and linguistic contexts. Etymologically, it derives from Latin verbum, meaning word, and in Italian it has developed distinct uses as both a noun and an adjective.

As a noun, verbale denotes an official written record of proceedings or events. It is commonly used for documents that summarize what occurred at meetings, trials, inspections, or administrative hearings. Examples include il verbale di assemblea (minutes of a meeting), il verbale di ispezione (inspection report), and il verbale di procedimento. A verbale typically lists date, location, participants, decisions taken, votes, and salient statements, and is usually prepared by a secretary or designated official and signed by relevant parties. In many contexts, the verbale serves as documentary evidence and can be used to verify agreements or actions taken.

As an adjective, verbale means related to words or spoken language, i.e., verbal as opposed to written. It is used to describe things that are conveyed orally or are not yet reduced to writing. For example, un accordo verbale means an oral or spoken agreement, and una dichiarazione verbale refers to a verbal statement.

In usage, the term appears across public administration, corporate governance, and legal settings in Italy. While closely related terms exist in other languages—such as procès-verbal in French—the Italian verbale specifically covers both the notion of a spoken form (adjective) and an official written record (noun).

See also: related terms in other Romance languages and the concept of minutes or written records in legal and administrative practice.