eloquence

[ el-uh-kwuhns ]

noun

1. the practice or art of using language with fluency and aptness.
2. eloquent language or discourse:

   a flow of eloquence.

eloquence

/ ˈɛləkwəns /

noun

1. ease in using language to best effect
2. powerful and effective language
3. the quality of being persuasive or moving

Other Words From

• non·elo·quence noun
• super·elo·quence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of eloquence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ēloquentia, from ēloquent-, stem of ēloquēns “speaking out” ( eloquent ) + -ia -y ³; -ence

Example Sentences

Best of all, the company had a conductor of remarkable eloquence who understood movement in all its musical aspects.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith, a product of the classical British tradition, had the lightning eloquence of Shakespeare to guide her.

From Los Angeles Times

While Lim’s mature eloquence was never in question, the surety and exquisite beauty of his playing in impressive display, his was a perfectionist performance of getting everything to work just right.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy drew a favorable contrast against Nixon with his characteristic handsomeness and eloquence.

From Salon

“Netanyahu knows how to talk,” wrote Amos Harel in the left-wing Haaretz paper, “especially in English, in which his eloquence is infinitely more impressive than that of all his domestic rivals.”

From BBC

Related Words

• expressiveness
• fervor
• fluency
• passion
• poise
• vigor
• wit