Meaning & use
eloquent
Last updated
UK/ˈel.ə.kwənt/
US/ˈel.ə.kwənt/
Meanings
adjectivecomparableapproving
Able to speak or write in a clear, graceful and convincing way.
Grammar: Before a noun or after be.
Patterns
- eloquent about something
She gave an eloquent speech.
He was eloquent about his dreams.
An eloquent writer.
adjectivecomparable
Showing a feeling or meaning clearly without words.
Grammar: Often of silence, a look, or a gesture.
An eloquent silence followed.
Her look was more eloquent than words.
Word forms
| comparative | more eloquent |
|---|---|
| superlative | most eloquent |
Common combinations
- eloquent speech
- The eloquent speech moved us.
- eloquent speaker
- He is an eloquent speaker.
- eloquent silence
- An eloquent silence.
- eloquent plea
- She made an eloquent plea.
Synonyms and how they differ
- articulate
- Clear, not necessarily moving.
- fluent
- Smooth, not necessarily persuasive.
- expressive
- Showing feeling.
- persuasive
- Convincing.
Opposites
inarticulatetongue-tied
Word family
- eloquence noun
- graceful persuasive speech
- eloquently adverb
- in an eloquent way
Commonly confused: eloquent or elegant?
eloquent vs elegant
Elegant means graceful in style; eloquent is about expression.
Practice
The lawyer's ___ closing argument convinced the jury.
Choose one answer.
Eloquent means graceful and convincing. The others are weak.
Make it your own
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