Voluble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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voluble

[ˈvɒljʊb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in conversation

Characterized by a ready flow of speech; talkative.

Synonyms

chatty, garrulous, loquacious, talkative, vocal.

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Word Description / Examples
voluble

Typically used to describe someone who speaks fluently, readily, and at length. It implies both eloquence and ease of expression.

  • She was particularly voluble about her recent trip to Europe.
  • His voluble nature made him an engaging speaker at conferences.
talkative

A general term used to describe someone who speaks a lot. It is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She is very talkative when she's excited about a topic.
  • The child's talkative nature often led to reprimands in class.
chatty

Best used in informal settings to describe someone who enjoys casual conversation and speaks in a friendly, informal manner.

  • He was feeling quite chatty at the party, talking to everyone he met.
  • Their chatty exchange over coffee lasted for hours.
garrulous

Often has a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is overly talkative, especially about trivial matters.

  • His garrulous nature often irritated his colleagues during meetings.
  • The elderly man was garrulous, telling long stories that seemed to have no end.
loquacious

Describes someone who speaks a lot, sometimes to the point of being excessively wordy. It can be both neutral and slightly negative.

  • The loquacious professor sometimes went off-topic during lectures.
  • Her loquacious personality made her popular at social gatherings.
vocal

Best used to describe someone who is outspoken and expresses their opinions freely, often in situations where such expression is encouraged or important.

  • She was vocal in her support for the new policy.
  • He has always been vocal about environmental issues.

Examples of usage

  • She was voluble in her explanations.
  • His voluble nature made him popular at social gatherings.
  • The voluble salesman easily convinced customers to buy the product.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals who are voluble may be seen as more socially engaging, as they can captivate conversations.
  • Verbal fluency can vary by personality type; extroverts often tend to be more voluble than introverts.

Communication Studies

  • Voluble speakers can influence discussions and sway opinions more effectively than those who speak less frequently.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, including being voluble, is often linked to successful leadership qualities.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters who are voluble often serve to drive plots forward, providing humor or critical information.
  • Famous politicians and entertainers are frequently described as voluble due to their capacity to engage large audiences.

Pop Culture

  • Voluble characters appear in various films and TV shows, often representing the 'life of the party' archetype.
  • Stand-up comedians often need to be voluble and quick-witted to maintain audience interest and deliver punchlines effectively.

Origin of 'voluble'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'volubilis', which means 'easily turned' or 'flowing'.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the early 19th century, reflecting its gradual integration into the language.

The word 'voluble' originates from the Latin word 'volubilis', meaning 'rolling, revolving'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The term evolved to describe someone who speaks readily and fluently, often with a continuous flow of words. Over time, 'voluble' has come to be associated with individuals who are talkative and expressive in conversation.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,102, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.