Loquacious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loquacious

[ləˈkweɪʃəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in conversation

tending to talk a lot; very chatty or talkative

Synonyms

chatty, talkative, voluble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loquacious

This word is typically used in more formal settings to describe someone who talks a lot, often in a very detailed and elaborate manner.

  • She became loquacious when discussing her favorite novels
  • The loquacious professor captivated the audience with his extensive knowledge
talkative

This is a neutral term used to describe someone who speaks a lot. It can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.

  • My talkative colleague kept us entertained during the meeting
  • She's very talkative after a cup of coffee
chatty

'Chatty' is a casual term used to describe someone who enjoys having light, informal conversations. It is often used in a friendly or warm context.

  • The chatty barista always brightens my day with her cheerful stories
  • He seems quite chatty at parties, making small talk with everyone
voluble

Voluble is used in slightly formal contexts to describe someone who speaks incessantly and fluently, often in a rapid and enthusiastic manner.

  • The voluble guest dominated the conversation with his anecdotes
  • Her voluble nature makes her an excellent storyteller

Examples of usage

  • She was known for being loquacious, always ready to strike up a conversation.
  • His loquacious nature made him a popular guest at parties.
Context #2 | Adjective

formal

full of excessive talk; wordy

Synonyms

garrulous, prolix, verbose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
loquacious

Describes someone who talks a lot and enjoys having conversations. Generally used in a neutral or positive way.

  • The loquacious host kept the dinner party lively with entertaining stories
verbose

Describes speech or writing that uses too many words, often leading to a lack of clarity. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • The lawyer's verbose arguments made it difficult for the jury to follow her points
garrulous

Used to refer to someone who talks excessively, often about trivial matters. It can have a negative connotation.

  • During the meeting, the garrulous colleague kept talking about unrelated topics, which was quite frustrating
prolix

Refers to speech or writing that is too long, detailed, or wordy. Typically has a negative connotation.

  • His prolix explanation confused everyone and took up too much of the meeting time

Examples of usage

  • The loquacious speech went on for hours, testing the audience's patience.
  • His loquacious writing style made it difficult to get to the main point.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are loquacious often exhibit high levels of extroversion, finding joy in social interactions.
  • Conversational style can influence perceptions; loquaciousness may be seen as friendliness or, at times, as excessive or overwhelming.
  • Research suggests that loquacious individuals can enhance group discussions, but their dominance may risk excluding quieter voices.

Pop Culture

  • Characters known for their loquacity often feature in sitcoms, providing comedic relief with their constant chatter.
  • Famous literary figures, like Gilbert in 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' highlight the humor in loquacity, as they entertain through endless conversation.
  • In modern culture, being loquacious can be viewed positively on platforms like podcasts, where talkative hosts build engaging narratives.

Communication Studies

  • Loquacious communication styles can create dynamic interactions but also require careful listening to maintain engagement.
  • Effective loquaciousness balances speaking and listening, allowing for enriching exchanges instead of monologues.
  • Different cultures have varied tolerance levels for loquacity, with some valuing succinctness while others appreciate long-winded storytelling.

Literature

  • Writers often portray loquacious characters to convey personality traits, using dialogue to reveal their quirks and charm.
  • In poetry, loquaciousness can symbolize a flow of thoughts, often illustrating emotional depth or complexity.
  • Notable authors, like Mark Twain, used loquacious characters to critique society through the lens of humor and absurdity.

Origin of 'loquacious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'loquacious' comes from the Latin word 'loqui,' which means 'to talk.'
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, showcasing its roots in classical languages.
  • Related words include 'loquacity' (the quality of being talkative) and 'loquate' (to speak), both retaining the original speaking theme.

The word 'loquacious' comes from the Latin word 'loquax' which means talkative. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe someone who talks a lot or is excessively wordy.


See also: loquaciousness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,971, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.