Eloquent

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɛl.əˌkwənt/

Definitions

1. Expressed in a fluent, persuasive, and graceful manner that powerfully conveys meaning and stirs emotion
2. Fluent and compelling in speech or writing that effectively conveys deep feeling and meaning with grace
3. Characterized by expressive and persuasive communication that speaks with fluency and moves the listener or reader

Etymology: "Eloquent" comes from the Latin verb "eloquor," meaning "to speak out," built from "ex-" ("out") and "loquor" ("to speak"). The Latin word "loquor" also gave English "locution," "colloquy" and "soliloquy," so "eloquent" belongs to a large family of speech-related words that share the same root. The Latin form "eloquens," the present participle of "eloquor," passed into Old French as "eloquent" before English borrowed it. The original sense was literal: someone who speaks out, giving voice to thoughts clearly and openly. Over time the emphasis shifted from simply speaking out to speaking well, so that the word came to mean skilled and persuasive expression in particular.

Synonyms: articulate, fluent, expressive, persuasive, vivid

Antonyms: inarticulate, taciturn, unexpressive, dull, awkward