eloquent

Everyday

1. Able to speak or write well, clearly and movingly, so that people are persuaded or touched. tree →
2. (of a look, silence or gesture) Showing a feeling clearly without words. tree →

In the lessons

A praising word for speakers, speeches and writing, used in English and history lessons (an eloquent speech, an eloquent writer). Sense 2 is common in stories: «an eloquent silence», «an eloquent look» tells the reader what someone feels without them saying it.

Examples

• Martin Luther King gave eloquent speeches about freedom. tree →
• Our class captain made an eloquent speech at assembly. tree →
• Her silence was more eloquent than any words. tree →
• The Water Rat spoke eloquently about the joys of the river. tree →
• The dog gave me an eloquent look at its empty bowl. tree →
• She wrote an eloquent letter to the council about saving the library. tree →
• You don't need long words to be eloquent; you need clear ones. tree →
• His eyes were quite eloquent, and his words possessed a magic power; he offered her his hand, and she was obliged to follow him. tree →

Note

Adjective; the adverb is «eloquently» and the noun «eloquence». Stress on the first syllable: EL-o-kwent. Opposite: «inarticulate». Not the same as «talkative» — someone can talk a lot without being eloquent.