eloquence
EL-uh-kwuhns
/ˈɛləkwəns/
Fluent, forceful, and elegant speaking or writing that deeply moves an audience.
Eloquence implies a natural, graceful, and deeply moving beauty in language. It is associated with emotional power and artistic mastery rather than mere technical correctness.
The story behind the word. Eloquence comes from the Latin eloquentia, which derives from eloqui, meaning 'to speak out' or 'to voice'. It conveys the idea of thoughts flowing effortlessly out of the speaker's mind and into the hearts of the listeners.
Word relationships
- expressiveness: Expressiveness is the general ability to show emotion, while eloquence specifically implies a high level of linguistic grace and persuasive power.
- rhetoric: Rhetoric is the deliberate study of persuasive techniques, while eloquence is the fluid, beautiful execution of speech.
- incoherence: Incoherence is disjointed, confusing speech, the absolute opposite of the fluid grace of eloquence.
- clumsiness: Clumsiness in speech involves awkward phrasing and frequent stumbles, whereas eloquence is seamless.
Commonly confused with
- elocution: Elocution is the technical training of vocal pronunciation, while eloquence is the natural, moving beauty of the language itself.
Word family
- eloquent (adjective): Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
- eloquently (adverb): In a fluent, powerful, and persuasive manner.
Collocations
- natural eloquence
- quiet eloquence
- speak with eloquence
- literary eloquence
Example sentences
- "True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is." A philosophical observation on speech.
- "The sister of the deceased spoke with such eloquence that there was not a dry eye in the chapel." Praising a eulogy.
Memory hook
Eloquence sounds like 'elegant voice'. A speaker with eloquence has an elegant, flowing voice. An elegant, flowing voice that moves the heart.
When not to use
Do not use eloquence to describe dry, technical accuracy or clinical explanations that lack emotional resonance.
Fun facts
- In classical mythology, Calliope was the muse of epic poetry and eloquence, often depicted holding a writing tablet and wearing a gold crown.
Related words
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