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

Essentially, the visual scope symbolically represented how the Celtic god had the power of eloquence and persuasion to bind his followers to him.

From Realm of History

It’s about attitude and eloquence and emotion in the ability to touch people.

From Washington Post

If you really want to understand the eloquence, generosity and impossible grace of Charlie Watts just listen for the first time he touches his drums on any Rolling Stones song.

From Washington Post

It’s Wojnarowicz himself who tells his own story, supplemented by remembrances from those who knew him and illuminated by the visual eloquence of his work.

From Washington Blade

That was due, in large part, to the power of the story Meghan and Harry had to tell as well as to their unprecedented eloquence and candor on issues of race and mental health.

From Time

Wall Street Journal: “Begley has a great many strengths—concision, eloquence, an eagle eye—and few of the usual shortcomings.”

From The Daily Beast

And Young, once again with admirable eloquence, stands by it.

From The Daily Beast

As sometime Davos attendee Bill Clinton once said, “Explanation is eloquence.”

From The Daily Beast

He turned his trial into an indictment of apartheid because of his eloquence and passion, but also his training as an advocate.

From The Daily Beast

In his speech, Obama provided some evidence that he plans to lead with action—not merely eloquence.

From The Daily Beast

Thomas Cooper, an English prelate, died; highly commended for his great learning and eloquence.

From Project Gutenberg

He said no more in words, but his little blue eyes had an eloquence that left nothing to mere speech.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the friend of Descartes, and a philosopher; distinguished for his eloquence and as an author.

From Project Gutenberg

He warmly espoused the interests of his country, and many important measures were effected by his eloquence.

From Project Gutenberg

But our eloquence accomplished p. 107little—some small modification regarding mixed trains, and that was all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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