Fluent: meaning, definitions and examples

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fluent

[ˈfluːənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

language proficiency

able to express oneself easily and accurately in a foreign language

Synonyms

articulate, eloquent, proficient, well-spoken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fluent	When someone speaks a language easily and smoothly without making many mistakes. She is fluent in Spanish and can hold conversations with natives effortlessly. After living in France for a year, he became fluent in French.
articulate	When someone is able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. The professor is very articulate, making complex subjects easy to understand. She is known to be articulate during meetings, always presenting her points persuasively.
eloquent	When someone speaks or writes in a powerful, moving, and effective way, often with a rich use of language. The politician’s speech was so eloquent that it moved the audience to tears. He wrote an eloquent letter to the editor about the importance of environmental conservation.
well-spoken	When someone speaks in a polished, clear, and polite manner. The host of the event was very well-spoken, making all the guests feel welcome. He is known to be well-spoken, always using proper grammar and etiquette in conversations.
proficient	When someone has a skillful and competent level of ability in a field or activity, not necessarily related to speaking. She is proficient in using graphic design software. After years of practice, he became proficient at playing the guitar.

Examples of usage

She's fluent in Spanish and French.
He's a fluent speaker of Mandarin.
They were impressed by her fluent English.
We need someone who is fluent in Japanese for this job.
The new employee is not yet fluent in the company's language.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

smooth

flowing smoothly or effortlessly

Synonyms

effortless, flowing, graceful, smooth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fluent	Used to describe someone who can speak or write a language easily and accurately. Also can describe smooth, easy movement or progress in some task. She is fluent in three languages His dance moves were fluent and captivating
smooth	Best used to describe something free from roughness or irregularities, and can also suggest ease in action, often related to surfaces, transitions, and operations. The table surface was smooth to the touch His presentation was smooth and well-received
effortless	Typically used to describe something done without any evident effort or difficulty. Suggests a natural, easy capability. His effortless jump over the fence amazed everyone She handled the task with effortless grace
flowing	Best suited for describing continuous, smooth movement or speech, often used for liquids or things that resemble liquids in movement, as well as for writing and speech that are easy and uninterrupted. Her hair was flowing in the wind The orator's speech was flowing and captivating
graceful	Describes something or someone that has elegance and beauty in movement or shape. Often used for physical movements, gestures, and even behavior or patterns. The ballerina performed a graceful pirouette His graceful manners made a positive impression

Examples of usage

The river was fluent after the heavy rains.
His writing style is very fluent and easy to read.
The dancer's movements were fluid and fluent.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'fluent' comes from the Latin word 'fluere', meaning 'to flow', which perfectly describes how language can flow when spoken well.
Fluent has been in use in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to fluid movement.
The term has evolved to specifically describe proficiency in language, reflecting a smooth and natural delivery.

Education

Language fluency can be divided into two types: conversational fluency, which includes the ability to engage in everyday conversations, and academic fluency, involving a higher level of comprehension and vocabulary.
Fluency is often a key goal in second language learning, as it indicates the speaker's comfort and ease with the language.
The 'Critical Period Hypothesis' suggests that young children become more fluent in languages easier than adults, highlighting the importance of early exposure.

Psychology

Fluency in a language can impact a person's confidence and self-esteem, often leading to increased participation in conversations.
Research shows that fluency can be linked to cognitive load; the easier it is to express oneself, the less mental effort is required, allowing for more complex thoughts.
People often perceive fluent speakers as more knowledgeable or credible, regardless of their actual expertise.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often portray fluent characters as more charismatic, influencing how audiences view language proficiency in social situations.
In pop music, artists frequently showcase their fluency in different languages, reaching wider audiences and enhancing their global appeal.
Language challenges in popular game shows test contestants' fluency, making it an entertaining way to assess communication skills.

Literature

Authors often use fluent dialogue to create realistic characters, making their speech sound natural and relatable.
In poetry, fluency can create a rhythmic flow that enhances the emotional impact of the text.
Fluent writing is considered a crucial skill for writers, as it allows for clear expression and engaging storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "fluent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fluente

🇮🇳 फluent

🇩🇪 fließend

🇮🇩 fasih

🇺🇦 вільний

🇵🇱 biegły

🇯🇵 流暢な (りゅうちょうな)

🇫🇷 courant

🇪🇸 fluido

🇹🇷 akıcı

🇰🇷 유창한 (yuchanghan)

🇸🇦 بطلاقة (biṭlāqa)

🇨🇿 plynulý

🇸🇰 plynulý

🇨🇳 流利的 (liúlì de)

🇸🇮 tekoč

🇮🇸 reiprennandi

🇰🇿 еркін

🇬🇪 თავისუფალი

🇦🇿 səlis

🇲🇽 fluido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,830, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14827 robber
14828 reflexive
14829 slash
14830 fluent
14831 deepen
14832 uncontrollable
14833 follicles
...