Eloquent
/ˈɛləkwənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Eloquent describes someone who can express their thoughts and feelings clearly and powerfully when speaking or writing. This skill helps others understand or feel moved by what they say. It often shows intelligence and confidence in communication.
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See It in Action
Speaking or writing clearly and powerfully
- •She gave an eloquent speech about the importance of education.
- •His eloquent words convinced the audience to support the cause.
- •The letter was eloquent and full of emotion.
Showing strong feeling or meaning without many words
- •Her silence was eloquent, showing how upset she was.
- •The painting is eloquent in its beauty and meaning.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "eloquent" like "clear" (A1 word), but much stronger—it's not just clear, but very beautiful and powerful speech or writing
- ✓Picture a person speaking in front of a crowd, using words that make people feel excited or inspired
- ✓It's the feeling when you listen to a good speaker who makes you want to pay attention and believe their ideas
- ✓Sounds like "EL-o-quent" → imagine a person saying "EL" (like the letter L) very clearly and with power, holding your attention
- ✓Think of famous speeches like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream"—those words are eloquent because they move many people
- ✓NOT like "quiet" or "simple" speech—eloquent speech is strong, confident, and often beautiful
- ✓NOT like "confused" or "unclear" talking—eloquent means very clear and easy to understand
- ✓NOT like "short" or "basic"—eloquent speech can be long and detailed but still easy to follow
Try Other Words
- •Articulate: able to express ideas clearly and well (Use when focusing on clear speech without the emotional power)
- •Persuasive: able to make others agree or believe (Use when focusing on convincing others)
- •Expressive: showing feelings clearly (Use when focusing on emotional expression)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "eloqu-" (from Latin "eloqui" meaning "to speak out") + "-ent" (adjective ending meaning "having the quality of")
- •Etymology: From Latin "eloquens," meaning someone who speaks out or expresses well
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe skilled and powerful speaking or writing
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to praise people who speak or write in a way that is clear, powerful, and moving
Reflect & Connect
•How can being eloquent help someone in everyday life or work situations?
•Can someone be eloquent without using many words? How?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave an eloquent speech that ___ the audience’s feelings and ___ their attention.
2.An eloquent speaker usually ___ their ideas clearly and ___ the listeners to think deeply.
3.His silence was so eloquent that it ___ more than many words could ___.
4.To be eloquent, a person must speak ___ and with ___ confidence.
5.An eloquent letter often uses strong words to ___ feelings or ___ ideas.
6.Unlike simple talk, eloquent speech often ___ emotions and ___ listeners.
7.When someone is eloquent, their words ___ meaning and ___ a strong impression.