What does "fluent" mean?

1. (language proficiency) able to speak or write a language easily, quickly, and without many mistakes. 2. (smooth movement) moving or flowing in a smooth and graceful way. 3. (software interface) a style of writing computer code that is easy to read, almost like a sentence. 4. (calculus variable) an old word for a changing value in math.

Is it correct to say "She is fluent to Spanish."?

No — say "She is fluent in Spanish.". Use the preposition 'in' when naming the language someone speaks fluently.

fluent

adj. · n.

US //ˈfɫuənt// UK //flˈuːənt// flu·ent

1 language proficiency (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

able to speak or write a language easily, quickly, and without many mistakes.

capable of using a language accurately, rapidly, and with natural flow. Usually implies a high level of competence but not necessarily native-level mastery.

Example

After living in Berlin for three years, he became fluent in German.

Example

The job description requires candidates to be fluent in at least two European languages to facilitate communication with international clients.
- articulate
- proficient
- hesitant
- broken
Pitfall

She is fluent to Spanish.

She is fluent in Spanish.

Use the preposition 'in' when naming the language someone speaks fluently.
2 smooth movement (adj.)
C1 Advanced Literary

moving or flowing in a smooth and graceful way.

characterised by a smooth, easy, and graceful flow of movement or style.

Example

The dancer's movements were fluent and beautiful to watch.

Example

The pianist's performance was marked by a fluent technique that made the most difficult passages seem effortless.
- stiff
- clumsy

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 software interface (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

a style of writing computer code that is easy to read, almost like a sentence.

relating to an object-oriented API whose design relies on method chaining to create a more readable, prose-like flow.

Example

The library uses a fluent interface to make the configuration code easier to read.

Example

By implementing a fluent interface, the developers allowed users to chain multiple method calls into a single, legible statement.
- chained
4 calculus variable (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Math

an old word for a changing value in math.

a continuous variable, particularly one that changes with respect to time in Newtonian calculus.

Example

In his early papers, the mathematician referred to the changing quantity as a fluent.

Example

Newton's method of fluxions treated the fluent as a quantity generated by a continuous motion over time.
- variable

Origin

From Latin fluens (“flowing”), present active participle of fluō (“I flow”).