Word of the Day

: October 28, 2021

eloquent

adjective EL-uh-kwunt

What It Means

Eloquent means "having or showing the ability to use language clearly or effectively" or "clearly showing feeling or meaning."

// The guest of honor delivered an eloquent speech.

// The dancer's movement was eloquent.

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eloquent in Context

"Written as a dialogue with [Douglas Abrams], who has co-authored similar eloquent testaments with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, this book mixes autobiographical details with a fiercely positive credo that has kept [Jane Goodall] fighting in the face of immense odds." — Kirkus Reviews, 1 Sept. 2021

Did You Know?

Since eloquent has to do with speaking, it makes sense that it comes from the Latin verb loquī, which means "to talk or speak." (The adjective loquacious describes a person who is skilled at or has the inclination for talking.) Expression of the self can be seen and not heard, which gives meaning to eloquent as an adjective for nonverbal impressive acts.