eloquent

/ˈɛləkwənt/ formal

Say it: EL-uh-kwent

1. adjective Fluent, persuasive, and powerful in speaking or writing.
The lawyer's eloquent closing argument convinced the jury of her client's innocence.
2. adjective Clearly expressing or indicating a feeling or meaning, often without words.
Her weary sigh was an eloquent expression of her frustration.

📖 Seen in the wild

The senator delivered an eloquent speech that captivated the audience.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ eloquent in a sentence

He is a naturally eloquent speaker who can hold an audience's attention for hours.
The book is an eloquent plea for environmental conservation.
Despite his lack of formal education, his letters were surprisingly eloquent.
The stark, empty shelves were an eloquent testament to the store's failure.
She's known for her eloquent presentations that always win over the board members.
The prime minister delivered an eloquent defense of the new policy in parliament.
I wish I could be as eloquent as him when I'm put on the spot.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

articulate persuasive fluent expressive silver-tongued well-spoken vivid forceful

articulate · focuses on clarity and the ability to express oneself clearly, not necessarily with persuasive force.

persuasive · emphasizes the power to convince or influence, which is often a result of eloquence.

fluent · highlights the smooth and effortless flow of language, a key component of eloquence.

expressive · points to the ability to convey feeling and meaning effectively.

Opposites: inarticulate, tongue-tied, halting, awkward, unintelligible

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'eloquent' speaks for itself, tracing back to the Latin verb 'eloqui', meaning 'to speak out'. This verb is a combination of 'e-' (out) and 'loqui' (to speak). It entered English in the late 14th century, carrying with it the idea of speaking out with fluency and force.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

eloquent speakereloquent speecheloquent proseeloquent argumenteloquent defenseeloquent silence

Eloquent is a strong compliment for communication that is not just clear but also graceful and powerful. It applies to both spoken and written words, and even to non-verbal expressions like 'eloquent silence'. Because of its formal tone, using it in a casual context can sound a bit dramatic; 'well-spoken' or 'good with words' are more common everyday alternatives.

Word family: eloquence, eloquently

💬 Quick answers

What does eloquent mean?

It describes someone who is fluent, persuasive, and graceful in speaking or writing. It can also describe something that clearly expresses an idea or feeling, sometimes without using words at all.

What is the difference between eloquent and articulate?

While both relate to clear communication, 'articulate' focuses on the ability to express ideas clearly. 'Eloquent' adds a layer of grace, persuasiveness, and artistic skill to that clarity.

Is 'eloquent' a formal word?

Yes, 'eloquent' is generally considered a formal word. In casual conversation, you might be more likely to say someone is 'well-spoken' or a 'great speaker'.

Can something other than speech be eloquent?

Absolutely. Writing, music, a gesture, or even silence can be described as eloquent if it powerfully and clearly conveys a message or feeling.

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