Meaning & use
eloquently
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Meanings
adverbcomparable
In a fluent, graceful and convincing way when speaking or writing.
Grammar: Goes with verbs of speaking or writing: speak eloquently, argue eloquently.
Patterns
- speak eloquently about something
- write eloquently
She spoke eloquently about the need for clean water.
The author writes eloquently about grief.
He argued eloquently in favor of the new park.
adverbcomparablefigurative
In a way that clearly shows a feeling or message without using words.
Grammar: Often used with silence, gestures or art.
Patterns
- say something eloquently
Her silence said eloquently what words could not.
The photograph eloquently captures the loneliness of the city.
His shrug eloquently showed that he did not care.
Word forms
| comparative | more eloquently |
|---|---|
| superlative | most eloquently |
Common combinations
- speak eloquently
- He speaks eloquently and without notes.
- write eloquently
- She writes eloquently about her childhood.
- argue eloquently
- The lawyer argued eloquently for his client.
- eloquently put
- That was eloquently put, thank you.
- express eloquently
- The poem expresses eloquently the pain of loss.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fluently
- Fluently is about smooth flow, but it doesn't claim persuasiveness or beauty the way eloquently does.
- articulately
- Articulately stresses clear expression of ideas, whereas eloquently adds emotion and style.
- persuasively
- Persuasively focuses on convincing people and not on beautiful language.
- expressively
- Expressively can describe face, voice or music as well as words.
Opposites
Word family
- eloquent adjective
- fluent and persuasive in speech or writing
- eloquence noun
- the skill of speaking or writing persuasively
- ineloquent adjective
- not able to express well
- elocution noun
- the skill of clear public speaking
Commonly confused: eloquently or elegantly?
eloquently vs elegantly
Elegantly is about graceful style in general, while eloquently is about expression through words or other signals.
Practice
Which sentence correctly uses eloquently?
Choose one answer.
Eloquently modifies a verb and fits normal word order after explained the problem. The other sentences place it wrongly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “eloquently”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.