Words / C1

EL-uh-kw-uh-nt/ˈeləkwənt/

Eloquent means expressing ideas fluently and with feeling, in speech or writing. Fluent is about ease and flow, not necessarily moving; persuasive is about effect. Eloquence is the noun and eloquently the adverb; an eloquent silence is a slightly literary set phrase. In speech, she put it beautifully is more natural — it is praise, not a synonym for talkative.

Meaning

Able to express ideas clearly and movingly in speech or writing.

Examples

• “She gave an eloquent speech at the prize day.”
• “His closing remarks were eloquent without being long.”
• “The letter was an eloquent defence of the library, not a rant.”

Good to know

Fluent and moving. Noun: eloquence. Close: persuasive / fluent. Everyday: put it beautifully. Not merely talkative.

Near in meaning

articulate

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