eloquent
EL-uh-kwuhnt
/ˈɛləkwənt/
Fluent, persuasive, and vivid in speaking or writing.
Suggests an elegant, moving, and highly expressive command of language that deeply affects the audience.
The story behind the word. The word 'eloquent' comes from the Latin verb 'eloqui', which means 'to speak out'. It is composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'loqui' (to speak). An eloquent person is literally someone who can draw thoughts out of their mind and speak them out beautifully.
Word relationships
- articulate: Articulate means speaking clearly and coherently, while eloquent adds a layer of beauty, passion, and persuasion.
- persuasive: Persuasive focuses on changing minds, whereas eloquent focuses on the artistic beauty and power of the language itself.
- inarticulate: Inarticulate means unable to express oneself clearly or effectively in speech.
Commonly confused with
- elegant: Elegant refers to tasteful beauty or grace in appearance or manner, while eloquent refers specifically to powerful language.
Word family
- eloquence (noun): Fluent or persuasive speaking or writing.
- eloquently (adverb): In a fluent, persuasive, or vivid manner.
Collocations
- eloquent speech
- eloquent writer
- eloquent silence
- deeply eloquent
Example sentences
- "His eloquent speech on civil rights inspired thousands of people to join the movement." A historical account of a famous orator's impact.
- "The novelist's eloquent descriptions of the countryside made me feel as if I were actually there." Praising a writer's descriptive abilities.
Memory hook
Think of 'e-lectrifying loqui' (speaking). Eloquent speech is electrifying speech. Speaking out beautifully.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who is merely talkative (use 'loquacious' or 'garrulous' instead).
Fun facts
- The phrase 'eloquent silence' is a famous oxymoron, describing a silence that expresses feelings more powerfully than any words ever could.
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