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volubly

C2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /vˈɒlʌbli/

US

  • /vˈɑːlʌbli/

Description

If someone speaks volubly, they talk quickly, easily, and at length. Picture a storyteller who keeps going without running out of words, or a lawyer speaking in a fast, steady stream. The word suggests not just speed, but also a smooth flow of speech.

The root of volubly comes from the Latin volvere, meaning "to roll." It gives the sense of words rolling out one after another. You might describe a politician speaking volubly about their plans, or a friend explaining a complicated situation volubly, maybe with more detail than you wanted. It is less about what they say and more about how they say it: quickly, smoothly, and with plenty of words.

Examples

  1. 1

    Political discussion

    Once the subject turned to local politics, he began speaking volubly and barely stopped for breath.

    • Usage

      volubly is formal and more common in writing than in everyday speech.

  2. 2

    Interview

    She answered the reporter’s questions volubly, adding extra details that no one had asked for.

  3. 3

    Defending a plan

    When the manager criticized the plan, Tom defended it volubly, but he still failed to change her mind.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • volublyadverb