d by the letters on the page. Thus _oral_ applies
to that which is given by spoken words in distinction from that which is
written or printed; as, _oral_ tradition; an _oral_ examination. By this
rule we should in strictness speak of an _oral_ contract or an _oral_
message, but _verbal_ contract and _verbal_ message, as indicating that
which is by spoken rather than by written words, have become so fixed in
the language that they can probably never be changed; this usage is also
in line with other idioms of the language; as, "I give you my _word_,"
"a true man's _word_ is as good as his bond," "by _word_ of mouth," etc.
A _verbal_ translation may be _oral_ or written, so that it is word for
word; a _literal_ translation follows the construction and idiom of the
original as well as the words; a _literal_ translation is more than one
that is merely _verbal_; both _verbal_ and _literal_ are opposed to
_free_. In the same sense, of attending to words only, we speak of
_verbal_ criticism, a _verbal_ change. _Vocal_ has primary reference to
the human voice; as, _vocal_ sounds, _vocal_ music; _vocal_ may be
applied within certain limits to inarticulate sounds given forth by
other animals than man; as, the woods were _vocal_ with the songs of
birds; _oral_ is never so applied, but is limited to articulate
utterance regarded as having a definite meaning; as, an _oral_
statement.

* * * * *

VICTORY.

Synonyms:

achievement, conquest, success, triumph.
advantage, mastery, supremacy,

_Victory_ is the state resulting from the overcoming of an opponent or
opponents in any contest, or from the overcoming of difficulties,
obstacles, evils, etc., considered as opponents or enemies. In the
latter sense any hard-won _achievement_, _advantage_, or _success_ may
be termed a _victory_. In _conquest_ and _mastery_ there is implied a
permanence of state that is not implied in _victory_. _Triumph_,
originally denoting the public rejoicing in honor of a _victory_, has
come to signify also a peculiarly exultant, complete, and glorious
_victory_. Compare CONQUER.

Antonyms:

defeat, disappointment, failure, miscarriage, retreat,
destruction, disaster, frustration, overthrow, rout.

* * * * *

VIGILANT.

Synonyms:

alert, cautious, on the lookout, wary,
awake, circumspect, sleepless, watchful,
careful,