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

Through Iwuji’s own exalted eloquence, Cyrano’s artistic relationship to language becomes a matter of life or death.

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

Related Words

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