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

He was trained in law, was widely read, spoke and wrote with eloquence, yet remained humble throughout, a man for all seasons. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024

The half-hour series spews its bile with eloquence and conviction that provide their own momentum, at least to start. —Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Oct. 2024

Sometimes the characters talk too eloquently — with too much wisdom and intellect and eloquence. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 30 Sep. 2024

Smith, a product of the classical British tradition, had the lightning eloquence of Shakespeare to guide her. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 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