The spelling of "oral agreement" can be tricky due to the pronunciation of the word "oral". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈɔːrəl/ with the first syllable (or) rhyming with "four" and the second syllable (al) sounding like the beginning of "all". This is different from the pronunciation of "oral" meaning "related to the mouth", which is pronounced as /ˈɔːrəl/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. Be mindful of this difference when spelling "oral agreement".
An oral agreement, also known as a verbal agreement, refers to a type of contract that is made between two or more parties purely through spoken communication, rather than being documented in writing. In such an agreement, the terms and conditions of the contract are discussed and agreed upon orally, without any written evidence or formal documentation.
While an oral agreement may be legally binding in certain circumstances, it is generally considered less reliable and enforceable than a written contract. In the absence of any written record, the parties involved in an oral agreement may face difficulties in proving its existence or demonstrating the agreed terms accurately. Moreover, the lack of written evidence can lead to disputes or disagreements between the parties due to differences in memory or interpretation of what was agreed upon.
Oral agreements are commonly used in various social contexts, such as casual arrangements between friends or acquaintances. However, they also occur in professional settings, where parties may rely on verbal communication to create agreements, particularly for simple or immediate transactions. It is important to note that while some oral agreements may be legally valid, certain types of contracts, such as those involving real estate, are typically required by law to be in writing to be enforceable.
In summary, an oral agreement refers to a contract that is established through verbal communication, without any written documentation. While it can be binding under certain conditions, oral agreements are generally considered less secure and harder to enforce compared to written contracts.
The word "oral" derives from the Latin word "ōrālis", which means "spoken or of the mouth". It is related to the Latin word "ōs", meaning "mouth". The term "agreement" comes from the Latin word "āgreementum", which is derived from "agreementis", referring to the act of coming to a mutual understanding between two or more parties. Therefore, the etymology of "oral agreement" relates to an understanding or arrangement made through spoken words rather than a written contract.