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

• rhetoric
• poetry
• articulateness

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

Blight argues persuasively that Douglass’s eloquence transformed the speech into an enduring historical marker — a profound moment of national self-examination that reverberates across generations. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

Yet beneath this polished surface lies a troubling reality that Apple's latest research has brought into sharp focus: eloquence is not intelligence, and imitation is not understanding. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Mercury in Leo on June 26 boosts your confidence and eloquence, so use it wisely. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025

But Everett reminds us that men like James had to hide their eloquence and learning in order to survive. —Kyra Davis Lurie june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

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