eloquently
UK[ˈel.ə.kwənt.li]US[ˈel.ə.kwənt.li]
adv
in a fluent, persuasive, and expressive way, especially in speaking.
Morpheme Breakdown
eloqu
ent
ly
eloqu
speak out
ent
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'eloquently' traces its lineage to the latin verb eloqui, meaning 'to speak out'. this verb itself is a compound of the prefix e- ('out') and the root loqui ('to speak'), a root which also gives us words like 'loquacious' and 'colloquial'. the latin present participle stem eloquent- formed the adjective 'eloquent', which entered english via old french, describing one who speaks out powerfully and fluently. the modern adverb 'eloquently' is formed by appending the common english adverbial suffix '-ly' to this adjective, completing its journey to describe the manner of expressive and persuasive speech.
Analysis
Structure: eloqu (speak out) + ent (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
- eloqu: from latin eloqui 'to speak out', combining e- (a variant of ex-, meaning 'out') and loqui (meaning 'to speak').
- ent: a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, meaning 'being in a state or condition'.
- ly: an english suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, indicating 'in a manner of'.
Examples
she argued her case eloquently before the jury.
the poet eloquently captured the feeling of longing in her verses.
he spoke eloquently about the need for environmental conservation.