eloquence Definition
elo·quence (el′ə kwəns)
noun
- speech or writing that is vivid, forceful, fluent, graceful, and persuasive
- the art or manner of such speech or writing
- persuasive power
Etymology: ME & OFr < L eloquentia: see eloquent
eloquence Synonyms
eloquence
n.
The quality of effective speech
fluency, articulateness, expressiveness, persuasiveness, forcefulness, expression, appeal, diction, articulation, delivery, power, force, vigor, mellifluousness, facility, vivacity, wit, style, poise, flow, volubility, grandiloquence, loquacity, command of language, dramatic power, felicitousness, felicity of expression, gift of gab*. Formal and fluent speech
oration, expression, rhetoric; see speech 3.
eloquence Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- orator: He might not possess the whirlwind eloquence of the great American orator, but his effective range was infinitely wider.
- pulpit: He stands in more fear of a poor saint on his knees than of the greatest eloquence of the pulpit.
Possessives
father: I've read the fluent words you spoke in the crowded forum, O youth not unworthy of your fathers ' eloquence.
Converse of object
- have: The realization that words do not have the eloquence of tears or silent communion.
- move: Mr. Larkin has been credited with ability of a kind and with moving eloquence.
- watch: Come and watch the eloquence of Shakespeare against the backdrop of Borde Hill.
- display: Jobson was full of passion for art, and of admiration for poetry, and had already displayed considerable eloquence as a preacher.
- give: Kissing this stone is said to give the person eloquence.
- admire: Mr. Hain: As always, I admire the eloquence and wit of my hon.
Adjective modifier
- persuasive: It brings wealth if it is worn chastely; it endows you with persuasive eloquence if it is worn on the neck.
- false: If BCP is false eloquence, so is Shakespeare.
- human: Also today there is some gospel preaching which relies on human eloquence rather than on the power of the cross of Christ.
- simple: Councils of clever men were not able to withstand the simple eloquence of indisputable facts.
- great: He stands in more fear of a poor saint on his knees than of the greatest eloquence of the pulpit.
- such: When Kaye walked forward with such eloquence and made that moving vote of thanks, I thought I would burst with pride.
Browse dictionary entries near eloquence
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