# eloquent

/ˈɛɫəkwənt/ (US) · /ˈɛləkwənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eloquent
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. persuasive speech

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

able to use language clearly and effectively to persuade or move people.

For teachers: demonstrating fluent, forceful, and appropriate expression in speech or writing; characterized by persuasive power.

- The president gave an eloquent speech that inspired the whole country.
- Her eloquent defense of civil liberties resonated deeply with the jury, ultimately swaying the verdict in her client's favor.

### 2. clearly expressive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

clearly showing a feeling or meaning without needing many words.

For teachers: vividly or movingly expressive of an emotion or idea, often through non-verbal means or symbolic actions.

- He didn't say anything, but his sad smile was eloquent.
- The abandoned playground stood as an eloquent reminder of the town's declining population over the last decade.

### 3. neurologically functional

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes parts of the brain that control important things like speaking or moving.

For teachers: pertaining to areas of the cerebral cortex that, if removed, result in a loss of sensory processing, linguistic ability, or paralysis.

- The surgeon had to be careful not to damage the eloquent areas of the brain.
- Preoperative mapping is essential when a tumor is located near eloquent cortex to minimize the risk of permanent neurological deficit.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun 'cortex' or 'areas'.

## Examples

- She is an eloquent speaker who always captures the audience's attention.
- The lawyer made an eloquent plea to the jury, carefully choosing words that highlighted the defendant's difficult childhood.
- Though he rarely spoke during the committee meetings, his eventual defense of the conservation policy was so eloquent that it swayed even the most stubborn opponents.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.