Eloquence (noun) /ˈɛləkwəns/
Meaning: powerful and effective language
Usage: The candidate's eloquence in the interview impressed the panel, showcasing his strong communication skills crucial for a civil servant.
Origin: 'Eloquence' comes from the Latin word 'eloquentia', derived from 'eloqui' which means "to speak out" or "to speak forth".
Exam Trap: Do not confuse 'eloquence' with 'eloquent'. 'Eloquence' is a noun meaning powerful and effective language. 'Eloquent' is an adjective meaning having or exercising the power of fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech. Exams often test the correct part of speech in fill-in-the-blank or error-spotting questions, requiring candidates to identify whether a noun or an adjective is needed.
Remember: ELOQUENCE sounds like 'ELEGANCE' in speech. Someone with eloquence speaks with elegance and power, making their words effective.
Common Mistake: A common mistake is misspelling 'eloquence' as 'eloquencece' or 'eloquence'.