eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈe-lə-kwən(t)s 

1

: discourse marked by force and persuasiveness

also : the art or power of using such discourse

2

: the quality of forceful or persuasive expressiveness

Synonyms

• articulacy [chiefly British]
• articulateness
• poetry
• rhetoric

Examples of eloquence in a Sentence

The senator's eloquence is well known.

She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

His outspokenness, eloquence, and polymathy helped establish him as Israel’s premier public intellectual. —Moti Mizrahi, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2023

President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt probably did not want war with Israel in 1967, but his eloquence and nods to Arab nationalism (such as his decision to close the Straits of Tiran) inflamed an already tense situation. —Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 11 Aug. 2020

Do not expect bursts of eloquence that will live on in history. —E.j. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 23 June 2024

Cancer, naturally guided by their nurturing instincts, may find comfort in Libra's eloquence and diplomatic charm. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin ēloquentia, noun derivative of ēloquent-, ēloquens "capable of speech, expressing oneself fluently, eloquent"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

eloquence

noun

el·​o·​quence ˈel-ə-kwən(t)s 

: speech or writing that is forceful and convincing

also : the art or power of speaking or writing in a forceful and convincing way