WordGarden.iovolubly
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈɒlʌbli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a very talkative and fluent way
Beyond the definition
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.
To speak volubly means to talk rapidly and continuously, usually in a fluent and flowing way. It is more than just talking a lot; it suggests that the words come easily and keep coming. For example: "The professor explained the complex theory volubly, holding the attention of the lecture hall," or "She described her travels volubly, filling the room with detail."
However, speaking volubly is not always a positive trait. While it can suggest confidence and verbal ease, it can also imply talking so much that it becomes overwhelming or hard to follow. Someone might complain that a colleague explained a project volubly but never got to the main point. In that sense, the stream of words can hide the real message.
The word comes from the Latin volubilis, meaning "rolling" or "turning," which brings to mind words pouring out in a continuous stream. That idea of movement helps explain why it is often used for speech that feels lively, quick, and unbroken. You might also see voluble as an adjective for a person who speaks this way: "a voluble speaker."
Whether you are admiring the smooth flow of a skilled speaker or trying to interrupt a friend who will not stop talking, volubly describes speech that is rapid, fluent, and full of words, sometimes more words than necessary.
Examples
- 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
Interview
She answered the reporter’s questions volubly, adding extra details that no one had asked for.
- 3
Defending a plan
When the manager criticized the plan, Tom defended it volubly, but he still failed to change her mind.
See also
Similar
- fluently
- talkatively
- loquaciously
Shades of meaning
- glibly
- garrulously
- effusively
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- speak volubly
- talk volubly
- reply volubly
Word family
Explore
- eloquence
- verbal fluency
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- volublyadverb