What does loquacious mean?
Loquacious describes a person who talks readily, at length, or with great animation. In ordinary use it often suggests that speech is abundant, though its tone depends on context: it can be critical when applied to someone who dominates a conversation, but approving when applied to a gifted or entertaining storyteller. The word is common in general English but has a somewhat literary or formal flavour compared with chatty or talkative. It is particularly useful when quantity and liveliness of speech matter, rather than merely whether someone is willing to converse. A loquacious explanation may be engaging and persuasive; a loquacious guest may simply be difficult to quieten. The adjective comes from the Latin loquax, meaning “chatty” or “talkative,” and ultimately from loqui, “to speak.” Its relatives include eloquent, which emphasizes fluent and persuasive speech, and loquacity, the noun naming the quality. Loquacious does not imply that a speaker’s ideas are necessarily good, only that there is a great deal of speech to hear.
adjectiveGiven to talking a great deal; talkative.
- Inclined to talk freely and at length; talkative.
"Her loquacious friend filled the journey with stories and songs."
"Her loquacious friend filled the journey with stories and songs."
"At first shy, the witness became loquacious when describing the scene."
From the Latin loqui, meaning “to speak,” loquacious is essentially “full of talking.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of loquacious
Loquacious entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin loquax, meaning “chatty” or “talkative,” which was derived from loqui, “to speak.” Related English words such as eloquent and colloquial ultimately continue the same Latin root. The modern adjective preserves the core sense of being inclined to talk freely or at length.
Related word forms
How loquacious is actually used
Often mildly critical of excessive speech, but it can be approving when it describes an animated, engaging, or gifted storyteller. It is widely understood, though somewhat more literary than chatty or talkative.