fluent
UK[ˈfluːənt]US[ˈfluːənt]
adj
able to speak or write a particular language easily, accurately, and articulately
adj
(of an action or process) smooth, graceful, and seemingly effortless
Morpheme Breakdown
flu
ent
flu
flow
ent
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'fluent' originates from the latin verb 'fluere', meaning 'to flow'. this root is shared by many english words related to movement, such as 'fluid', 'flux', and 'influence'. the suffix '-ent' was used in latin to form present participles and adjectives, giving the sense of 'flowing'. the semantic evolution is direct and logical: from the literal sense of a liquid flowing smoothly, it was metaphorically applied to speech and action that proceeds with similar ease and continuity, without interruption or hesitation.
Analysis
Structure: flu (flow) + ent (adjective suffix)
flu (from latin 'fluere', meaning 'to flow'); ent (from latin present participle suffix '-entem', forming adjectives meaning 'doing, being, having the quality of')
Examples
she is fluent in three languages.
his writing is fluent and persuasive.
the dancer's movements were fluent and elegant.