Fluency: meaning, definitions and examples

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fluency

[ˈfluːənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

language proficiency

Fluency is the ability to speak or write a particular language easily and accurately. It implies a high level of proficiency in understanding and using the language without hesitation or difficulty. Fluency can be achieved through practice, exposure, and immersion in the language.

Synonyms

command, mastery, proficiency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fluency	Describes the ability to speak or write a language easily and smoothly, often used when discussing language skills. She has fluency in both French and Spanish. Achieving fluency takes practice and immersion in the language.
proficiency	Describes a competent or skilled performance in a particular area, often used in educational or professional settings to denote a good level of ability without necessarily implying complete mastery. She has proficiency in Japanese, enough to work as a translator. Proficiency in Excel is required for this job.
mastery	Refers to complete control or knowledge of a subject, skill, or language, often implying a very high level of expertise and experience. Her mastery of the violin was evident in her performance. He achieved mastery in martial arts after many years of training.
command	Indicates a high level of skill or control in a particular area, including language but also extending to other fields like technology, leadership, or a particular subject. He has a good command of the new software. Her command of classical literature is impressive.

Examples of usage

She achieved fluency in Spanish after living in Madrid for a year.
His fluency in English impressed the interviewers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

smoothness of flow

Fluency can also refer to the smooth and effortless flow of speech or writing. It indicates the ability to express oneself coherently and logically without interruptions or hesitations.

Synonyms

articulateness, eloquence, smoothness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fluency	Typically used to describe the ability to speak a language easily and accurately. It often refers to language skills, implying a high level of proficiency. She achieved fluency in French after living in Paris for several years. His fluency in Spanish helped him get the job as a translator.
smoothness	Usually refers to the ease and flow of speech or actions, often implying a certain effortlessness or lack of obstacles. It can also describe the texture of surfaces. The smoothness of his speech showed years of public speaking experience. The car’s smoothness on the road is one of its best features.
eloquence	Describes the ability to speak or write in a way that is persuasive, moving, or graceful. It often implies a certain level of sophistication and emotional impact. The politician's eloquence moved the audience to tears. His eloquence in writing earned him numerous accolades.
articulateness	Refers to the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively. This is often used in the context of speaking or writing, highlighting clarity and precise communication. Her articulateness in explaining complex topics makes her an excellent teacher. The candidate's articulateness during the interview impressed the hiring panel.

Examples of usage

The speaker's fluency captivated the audience.
Her fluency in storytelling made the book a joy to read.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'fluere,' meaning 'to flow,' reflecting smooth and easy communication.
In the late 18th century, 'fluency' began to be used in English to describe smooth speaking and writing abilities.
Originally, fluency referred more to the flow of speech than to vocabulary or grammar mastery.

Education

Fluency is a core goal in language learning, often distinguished from 'accuracy' which focuses on correct grammar and vocabulary.
Reading fluency consists of speed, accuracy, and proper expression, crucial for six-year-olds learning to read.
Teachers often use techniques like repeated reading to help students improve their reading fluency.

Psychology

Fluency can impact the way we perceive information; smoother communication often feels more credible and reliable.
Cognitive fluency relates to how easy or difficult information is to process, affecting decision-making and persuasion.
Studies show that people are more likely to trust statements and messages that are easy to understand.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters who speak fluently are often portrayed as confident or educated, shaping audience perceptions.
Language fluency is a common theme in shows and films where characters overcome barriers to communicate emotions or ideas.
Internet content creators often emphasize fluency in languages to resonate with diverse audiences globally.

Linguistics

Fluency is different from 'bilingualism;' a person can be fluent in one language while only conversational in another.
Researchers identify different types of fluency: oral, written, and reading fluency, each with unique characteristics.
Being bilingual can enhance fluency in a person's dominant language by providing diverse contexts for use.

Translations

Translations of the word "fluency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fluência

🇮🇳 प्रवाहिता

🇩🇪 Fließendheit

🇮🇩 kelancaran

🇺🇦 вільність

🇵🇱 płynność

🇯🇵 流暢さ (ryūchō-sa)

🇫🇷 fluidité

🇪🇸 fluidez

🇹🇷 akıcılık

🇰🇷 유창성 (yuchangseong)

🇸🇦 طلاقة

🇨🇿 plynulost

🇸🇰 plynulosť

🇨🇳 流利 (liúlì)

🇸🇮 tekočnost

🇮🇸 reiprennleiki

🇰🇿 еркіндік

🇬🇪 სითხეობრიობა

🇦🇿 axıcılıq

🇲🇽 fluidez

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,154, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16151 federalism
16152 barrister
16153 domestically
16154 fluency
16155 tic
16156 ductility
16157 diagonally
...