— eloquently , adv. — eloquentness , n.
/el"euh kweuhnt/ , adj.
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.
[ 1350-1400; ME ( eloquent- (s. of eloquens, prp. of eloqui ) speaking out, eloquent, equiv. to e- E- + loqu- speak + -ent- -ENT ]
Syn . 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 .