eloquence etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: eloquentia
  • Proto-Indo-European: *h₁el- "to speak"

Meaning:

  • The art of speaking or writing fluently and persuasively.
  • The ability to express oneself effectively in speech or writing.

Origin:

The word "eloquence" entered the English language in the 14th century from the Old French "eloquence," which itself is derived from the Latin "eloquentia." The Latin word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁el-, meaning "to speak."

This root is also the source of other words in English such as:

  • loquacious (Latin: loqui, "to speak")
  • colloquial (Latin: colloqui, "to talk together")
  • soliloquy (Latin: soliloquium, "a talking to oneself")

In ancient Greece and Rome, eloquence was considered a highly valued virtue and was seen as essential for political and public life. Orators such as Demosthenes and Cicero were renowned for their eloquent speeches and their ability to persuade audiences through their words.

Over time, the concept of eloquence has expanded to include written communication, and it is now used to describe any form of expression that is particularly effective and persuasive.

eloquence relate terms

  • eloquent

    Etymology The word eloquent derives from the Latin word eloquentia meaning ability

  • eloquence

    Etymology Latin eloquentia Proto Indo European h₁el to speak Meaning The a

  • circumlocution

    Etymology Latin circumlocutio circum around locutus past participle of loq

  • colloquium

    Etymology The word colloquium is derived from the Latin word colloqui which means t

  • colloquy

    Etymology The word colloquy derives from the Latin word colloquium which means conf

  • elocution

    Etymology and Meaning of Elocution Origin Latin elocūtiō Meaning Speaking out sp

  • eloquence

    Etymology Latin eloquentia Proto Indo European h₁el to speak Meaning The a

  • grandiloquence

    Etymology Latin grandiloquus grandis grand loqui to speak Meaning The

  • interlocution

    Etymology Inter Latin between Loqui Latin to speak tion Latin the act

  • interlocutor

    Etymology Latin interlocutor interlocutor From the prefix inter between loqu

  • locution

    Etymology French locution Latin locutiō a speaking speech saying Derived from

  • locutory

    Locutory Etymology Meaning A false or popular etymology based on a supposed connection b

  • loquacious

    Etymology The word loquacious comes from the Latin word loqui which means to speak

  • loquacity

    Etymology From Latin loquacitat loquax talkative from loqui to speak Mean

  • loquitur

    Etymology Loquitur is a Latin word that means speaks or speake It is derived from

  • magniloquence

    Etymology lt Latin magniloquentia grandiloquence from magniloquus grandiloque

  • magniloquent

    Etymology Magniloquent is derived from the Latin phrase magni loqui meaning to spe

  • obloquy

    Etymology Obloquy comes from the Latin word obloqui which means to speak against

  • soliloquy

    Etymology The word soliloquy comes from the Latin word soliloquium which itself der

  • somniloquy

    Etymology Somniloquy is derived from the Latin words somnus sleep loqui

  • vaniloquence

    Etymology From Latin vaniloquus speaking vain things From vanus vain empty l

  • ventriloquism

    Etymology Ventriloquism is derived from three Latin words Venter belly Loqui

  • ventriloquy

    Etymology The word ventriloquy is derived from the Latin words venter belly and lo

  • lush

    Etymology The word lush comes from the Middle English word lusche which means soft

  • oratory

    Etymology Latin oratorium place or room for prayer Late Latin oratorius belongi

  • caul

    Etymology Middle English caul from Old Norse káll plural kálar Meaning A th

  • piece

    Etymology Piece derives from the Old French word piece meaning fragment share por

  • rhetoric

    Etymology The word rhetoric comes from the Greek word rhētorikē derived from rhē

  • Pilate

    Etymology The name Pilate comes from the Latin name Pilatus which is derived from th

  • advertisement

    Etymology French avertissement Late Latin advertentia attention warning Meaning

  • style

    Etymology The word style originated from the Latin word stilus which means a pointe

  • orange

    Etymology Late Middle English as an adjective from Old French orenge from orenge f

  • dusk

    Etymology The word dusk comes from the Old English word dusc which was itself derive