Root Word Loqu: to talk, speak

There are a lot of words to talk about how we speak, why we speak, and the ways we speak. Some of these words contain the root word loqu, meaning to speak or to talk. Words containing the root word loqu can look difficult at first, but once you see the root word loqu in them, and know that it has something to do with speaking, you may have an easier time figuring them out (understanding them). This is why we love root words! Learning root words makes it easier to figure out what unfamiliar (something you don’t know) words mean.

Once you know a root word, you’ll start seeing it in many different words, and the root word loqu is no different.

Has anyone ever described you as an eloquent speaker?  Or did you have to learn one of Shakespeare’s soliloquies when you were in school? Or has your English teacher ever told you that a word used in your academic writing is too colloquial? All of these words and more have the root word loqu in them, meaning to speak or to talk.

This week, we’ve decided to focus on words that contain the root word loqu, along with definitions and examples to help you on your learning journey. Have fun with this blog, and be prepared to become more loquacious!

Words Using the Root Word Loqu

Colloquial: (adj) using an informal style, or referring to an informal style of speech

• – I’ve heard people say the word “yo” before. When can you use that?  – “Yo” is very informal speech, and is a way of saying hello or getting someone’s attention. It’s colloquial, so don’t use it in a work meeting, but you can use it among friends.
• She prefers to use more formal speech, since she thinks colloquial speech is too intimate and familiar.

Ventriloquist: (n) a performer who can speak in a way that it looks like the words are being spoken by a large doll, which is also called a dummy.

• He never liked ventriloquists. He thought it was weird that they made it look like a doll could talk, and he thought the dummy was creepy.
• My parents bought tickets to see a ventriloquist on Saturday night. They have an extra ticket if you’d like to go.

Eloquent: (adj) showing the ability to write and speak well in an effective way

• Many famous leaders were eloquent. They were able to write and give effective speeches that motivated their followers.
• When I get very nervous, I’m not as eloquent as I normally am. I talk in circles and don’t make much sense.

Soliloquize: (v) to talk to oneself at length (a lot, extensively) about a topic

• Characters in plays often soliloquize. They will stand alone on stage and talk to themselves. This is because we can’t read their thoughts, and they need to say what they are thinking for the audience.
• He’s very nice, but he tends to soliloquize a lot. He forgets you’re there and starts talking to himself sometimes.

Colloquium: (n) an academic meeting where specialists (experts) give presentations and speeches on a topic, and then answer questions about the topic

• My professor invited me to go to a colloquium with her! She said that because I was so involved with the research, I should also help to present the data.
• He usually thought colloquiums were boring. But this year, they had found many interesting speakers on many different topics.

Loquacious: (adj) liking to talk and being able to talk smoothly and easily

• He is known for being very loquacious. He loves to talk and can talk for a long time about different topics.
• Just because you’re loquacious doesn’t automatically make you smart. You can like to talk and be good at talking, but you should have some knowledge, as well.

Magniloquent: (adj) talking in a very over-the-top and colorful way

• The character of Gaston in the movie Beauty and the Beast is very magniloquent. He always brags about how great he is, but it’s a little too over-the-top.
• She was an excellent storyteller because she was magniloquent. She had a colorful way of speaking that made her stories interesting to listen to.

Interlocutor: (n) someone who takes part in a conversation; a speaking partner

• The essay collection had a very interesting group of interlocutors. The authors all came from very different backgrounds and had unique stories to tell.
• – Whom were you speaking with at the party the other night?  – I have no idea who my interlocutor was, but she was very nice.

Have you ever heard any of these words with the root word loqu before? Can you think of any other words that have loqu in them? Share some examples with us in the comments below!