Choose the option which is closest in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence:
The speaker's eloquent speech moved the audience to tears.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → loquacious
- Eloquent means speaking fluently and with the power to move or persuade listeners. It comes from the Latin eloqui (to speak out). The speech was so fluent and moving that it brought the audience to tears.
Example: The lawyer made an eloquent appeal for mercy. - Loquacious means talkative, speaking easily and a great deal. Both words describe a ready flow of words, so loquacious is the synonym among the options (eloquent stresses the power of the speech, loquacious the amount of it).
Example: Our loquacious guide talked all the way to the fort.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: silent — Incorrect. Silent means not speaking at all; it is the opposite of eloquent.
Example: The class fell silent when the principal walked in.
Option 2: hesitant — Incorrect. Hesitant means slow to speak or act because one is unsure; an eloquent speaker is fluent and confident.
Example: He gave a hesitant reply to the interviewer.
Option 3: ordinary — Incorrect. Ordinary means plain, not special; it says nothing about skill in speaking.
Example: It was an ordinary day at the office.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eloquent | – | 14-05 S2 31-05 S1 | 19-07 S1 | – | – |
| loquacious | 29-05 S2 | 14-05 S2 21-05 S1 21-05 S2 24-05 S2 30-05 S1 | – | – | – |