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eloquent

 - 2 dictionary results

el⋅o⋅quent

[el-uh-kwuhnt]
–adjective
1. having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech: an eloquent orator.
2. characterized by forceful and appropriate expression: an eloquent speech.
3. movingly expressive: looks eloquent of disgust.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME (< AF) < L ēloquent- (s. of ēloquēns, prp. of ēloquī) speaking out, eloquent, equiv. to ē- e- + loqu- speak + -ent- -ent


el⋅o⋅quent⋅ly, adverb
el⋅o⋅quent⋅ness, noun


Eloquent, fluent, articulate, expressive are adjectives that characterize speech or speakers notable for their effectiveness. Eloquent suggests clarity and power: an eloquent plea for disarmament. Fluent, with a root sense of flowing, refers to easy, smooth, facile speech: fluent in three languages. Articulate characterizes a clear and effective speaker or speech: an articulate spokesman for tax reform. Expressive focuses on rendering intelligible or meaningful the ideas or feelings of a speaker or writer and implies an especially effective, vivid use of language: a deeply moving, powerfully expressive evocation of a city childhood. See also fluent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To eloquent
el·o·quent   (ěl'ə-kwənt)   
adj.  
  1. Characterized by persuasive, powerful discourse: an eloquent speaker; an eloquent sermon.

  2. Vividly or movingly expressive: a look eloquent with compassion. See Synonyms at expressive.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin ēloquēns, ēloquent-, present participle of ēloquī, to speak out; see elocution.]
el'o·quent·ly adv., el'o·quent·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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