eloquence
gb/ˈɛləkwəns/ us/ˈɛləkwəns/
B2
English
~ 4100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
B2
property
1
Fluent, persuasive speech or writing
The skill of speaking or writing in a clear and powerful way that makes people want to listen or agree.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s eloquence
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'eloquence' with 'elegance'; 'eloquence' is about speech or writing, not physical appearance.
Synonyms
fluency (Focuses on smoothness and ease of expression, not necessarily persuasiveness.)
|
articulacy (Emphasizes clear and effective expression, often in speech.)
Antonyms
inarticulateness (The inability to express oneself clearly in speech or writing.)
|
awkwardness (Clumsiness in expression or delivery, lacking smoothness or persuasion.)
Collocations
natural eloquence
|political eloquence
|display eloquence
|admire eloquence
|speak with eloquence
Themes
communication
|public speaking
|writing
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her eloquence during the debate won over many undecided voters.
- The leader's eloquence inspired the crowd to take action.
- He spoke with such eloquence that everyone was moved.
- The novel is praised for the eloquence of its prose.
Learner examples
- She spoke with great eloquence.
- His eloquence made the speech powerful.
- The teacher admired her eloquence.
- The president's eloquence gave hope to people.
Grammar
Dictionary form
eloquence
IPA
GB/ˈɛləkwəns/
US/ˈɛləkwəns/
Syllables & stress
elo - quence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (elo)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: eloquence
- Plural: eloquence
Word family
Core family
eloquent
adjective C1
eloquently
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
ineloquent
adjective
ineloquently
adverb
Expressions
admire someone's eloquence
1/ædmˈaɪɚ sˈʌmwˌʌnz ˈɛləkwəns/
fixed phrase
Respect someone's persuasive speaking skill
To think someone speaks or writes very well and powerfully.
Examples
- Many people admired her eloquence in defending the cause.
- I truly admire his eloquence when he speaks about history.
display eloquence
1/dɪsplˈeɪ ˈɛləkwəns/
fixed phrase
formal
Show skill in persuasive speech or writing
To show that you can speak or write clearly and powerfully.
Examples
- The author displayed eloquence in every chapter.
- During the trial, the lawyer displayed great eloquence.
speak with eloquence
1/spˈik wˈɪθ ˈɛləkwəns/
fixed phrase
formal
Speak fluently and persuasively
To talk in a smooth and powerful way that makes people listen and agree.
Examples
- She spoke with eloquence about the need for change.
- At the ceremony, he spoke with eloquence that touched everyone's hearts.