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fluent — able to speak or write a language easily, smoothly, and expressively

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: able to speak or write a language easily, smoothly, and expressively

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfluːənt/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother is fluent in five languages but still can't figure out how to use Netflix.
  • After studying abroad for a year, she returned home fluent in Spanish and addicted to tapas.
  • He claims to be fluent in programming languages, but struggles with basic human conversation.

fluent

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈfluːənt/]

able to speak or write a language easily, smoothly, and expressively

She speaks fluent Spanish with the locals at the busy market.
💡 Concept

She speaks fluent Spanish with the locals at the busy market.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈfluːənt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈfluːənt/

🌳Etymology

Rootflu
Suffix--ent

Origin

Derived from Latin fluere, meaning 'to flow'. The word metaphorically extends the physical notion of water flowing unobstructed to describe speech that emerges naturally and smoothly. It entered English in the 16th century and developed into a term expressing linguistic competence and articulateness.

Breakdown

fluere (to flow) + -ent (adjective suffix forming descriptive words). The suffix -ent transforms the Latin verb into an adjective denoting a state or quality of flowing smoothly.

🎵Rhyme

student
prudent
imprudent

🔗Collocations

fluent in English
fluent speaker
speak fluently
become fluent
fluent conversation
near-fluent level
fluent reading

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother is fluent in five languages but still can't figure out how to use Netflix.”

😄 Fun example

“After studying abroad for a year, she returned home fluent in Spanish and addicted to tapas.”

😄 Fun example

“He claims to be fluent in programming languages, but struggles with basic human conversation.”

“To become fluent in a foreign language, you need consistent practice and patience.”

📚Related Words

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