Monday, November 11, 2002

Etymology Today from M-W: voluble \VAHL-yuh-bul\
1 : easily rolling or turning : rotating
*2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : glib, fluent

English has many terms for gabby types, but it's important to choose the right word to get across what kind of chatterbox you mean. "Talkative" usually implies a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation." "Loquacious" generally suggests the power to express oneself fluently, articulately, or glibly, but it can also mean "talking excesively." "Garrulous" is even stronger in its suggestion of excessive talkativeness; it is most often used for tedious, rambling talkers. "Voluble" describes an individual who speaks easily and often.

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