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. The speech was so fluent and moving that it brought the audience to tears. Its synonym is loquacious.
Example: The lawyer made an eloquent appeal for mercy.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) silent | not speaking at all (it is the opposite of eloquent) | The class fell silent when the principal walked in. |
| (2) hesitant | slow to speak or act because one is unsure (an eloquent speaker is fluent and confident) | He gave a hesitant reply to the interviewer. |
| (3) ordinary | plain, not special (it says nothing about skill in speaking) | It was an ordinary day at the office. |
| (4) loquacious (answer) | talkative, speaking easily and a great deal (both words describe a ready flow of words, and eloquent stresses the power of the speech, loquacious the amount of it) | Our loquacious guide talked all the way to the fort. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): eloquent – 31-05-2025 Slot 1, 14-05-2025 Slot 2, 19-07-2024 Slot 1 loquacious – 29-05-2026 Slot 2, 30-05-2025 Slot 1, 24-05-2025 Slot 2, 21-05-2025 Slot 2, 21-05-2025 Slot 1, 14-05-2025 Slot 2 |