Root Word Loqu: Meaning, 20+ High-Frequency Exam Words & Memory Tricks
The Latin root word LOQU (or its past participle form LOCUT) means "to speak" or "to talk". This single root powers over 20 essential words frequently tested in SSC CGL, CHSL, IBPS PO, and CDS examinations under One Word Substitution (OWS), Synonyms, and Antonyms.
OWS Quick Memory Formula: Any word containing -loqu- or -locut- relates directly to speaking. Pair prefixes to derive meanings in seconds: Circum- (around) + loqu = indirect talk; Soli- (alone) + loqu = talking to oneself; Ventr- (belly) + loqu = speaking from the belly; Grandi- (grand) + loqu = pompous speech!
Top 16 Words Derived from the Root Word LOQU / LOCUT
Study this comprehensive table of words derived from loqui tested across SSC CGL, CHSL, and Banking examinations:
| Word & POS | Meaning (English & Hindi) | Prefix Breakdown & Mnemonic | High-Yield Synonyms | High-Yield Antonyms | Exam Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOQUACIOUS (Adjective) |
Tending to talk a great deal; extremely talkative. बातूनी, वाचाल, गप्पी |
Loqu (talk) + -ous (full of). Full of endless talking. | Garrulous, Talkative, Voluble, Effusive | Taciturn, Reticent, Laconic, Silent | SSC CGL 2018, 2021, 2023 Tier-1 |
| CIRCUMLOCUTION (Noun) |
The use of many words where fewer would do; roundabout speech. घुमा-फिराकर बात करना, वाकपटुता |
Circum (around) + Locut (speak). Talking in circles around the topic. | Periphrasis, Roundaboutness, Evasion | Directness, Brevity, Conciseness, Candor | Repeated in CGL OWS 2019, 2022 |
| ELOQUENT (Adjective) |
Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. सुवक्ता, वाक्पटु, प्रभावशाली |
E- (out) + Loqu (speak). Speaking out words with graceful ease. | Articulate, Persuasive, Silver-tongued, Fluent | Inarticulate, Hesitant, Halting, Stammering | SSC CGL 2020, 2022 Tier-1 |
| SOLILOQUY (Noun) |
An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself. आत्मभाषण, एकांतभाषण |
Solus (alone) + Loqu (speak). Speaking aloud when completely alone. | Monologue, Solo speech | Dialogue, Conversation, Colloquy | SSC CGL Tier-2 2019, 2021 OWS |
| VENTRILOQUISM (Noun) |
The art of speaking without moving the lips so voice seems to come from elsewhere. पेट से बोलना, आवाज़ बदलने की कला |
Venter (belly) + Loqu (speak). Speaking as if from the belly or a dummy. | Vocal projection, Dummy speech | Direct articulation | Repeated in SSC OWS Lists |
| GRANDILOQUENT (Adjective) |
Pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner. आडंबरपूर्ण, लच्छेदार बातें करने वाला |
Grandi (grand) + Loqu (speak). Using bombastic words to look grand. | Bombastic, Pompous, Magniloquent, Turgid | Simple, Plainspoken, Unpretentious | SSC CGL 2018, 2022 Tier-2 |
| COLLOQUIAL (Adjective) |
Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary. बोलचाल की भाषा, अनौपचारिक |
Col- (together) + Loqu (speak). Speaking together casually in daily life. | Informal, Conversational, Slangy, Vernacular | Formal, Literary, Erudite, Stilted | SSC CHSL 2021; Banking Prelims |
| OBLOQUY (Noun) |
Strong public criticism, blame, or verbal abuse. अपयश, कलंक, बदनामी, निंदा |
Ob- (against) + Loqu (speak). Speaking harshly against someone in public. | Censure, Reproach, Ignominy, Denunciation | Praise, Adulation, Commendation, Honor | SSC CGL 2020 Tier-2 |
| INTERLOCUTOR (Noun) |
A person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation. वार्ताकार, बातचीत में भाग लेने वाला |
Inter- (between) + Locut (speak). A person speaking between parties. | Conversationalist, Dialogue partner, Speaker | Listener, Silent spectator | The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary |
| SOMNILOQUY (Noun) |
The act or habit of talking in one's sleep. नींद में बोलने की आदत |
Somnus (sleep) + Loqu (speak). Speaking words while sleeping. | Sleep-talking | Quiet sleep | SSC CGL OWS Shift Question |
| MAGNILOQUENT (Adjective) |
Using high-flown or bombastic language. डींगमार, बड़ी-बड़ी बातें करने वाला |
Magni (large) + Loqu (speak). Speaking in gigantic, inflated phrases. | Grandiloquent, Pretentious, Bombastic | Humble, Modest, Understated | SSC CGL 2019 Tier-1 |
| ELOCUTION (Noun) |
The skill of clear, expressive, and articulate speech. वक्तृत्व कला, स्पष्ट उच्चारण |
E- (out) + Locut (speak). The art of public speaking with proper pronunciation. | Oratory, Declamation, Articulation | Inarticulacy, Mumbling | SSC CHSL 2020 OWS |
| ALLOCUTION (Noun) |
A formal speech giving advice or a firm warning. सलाह या चेतावनी भरा औपचारिक भाषण |
Ad- (to) + Locut (speak). Addressing a formal warning to a defendant. | Address, Exhortation, Harangue, Lecture | Whisper, Inattention | Legal English & CGL OWS |
| COLLOQUIUM (Noun) |
An academic conference or seminar on a specific topic. शैक्षणिक संगोष्ठी, परिचर्चा |
Col- (together) + Loqu (speak). Scholars speaking together in seminar. | Symposium, Conference, Seminar, Forum | Solo lecture | Banking & Higher OWS |
| LOQUACITY (Noun) |
The quality of talking a great deal; talkativeness. बातूनीपन, वाचालता |
Noun form of loquacious. Habitual excessive verbal output. | Garrulity, Volubility, Verbosity, Chatter | Taciturnity, Silence, Reticence, Reserve | SSC CGL Tier-1 2021 Synonyms |
| VENTRILOQUIST (Noun) |
A person who speaks without moving lips using a dummy. आवाज़ बदलने वाला जादूगर |
Person performing ventriloquism on stage with puppets. | Puppeteer, Vocal illusionist | Direct orator | Repeated in SSC CGL 2018, 2022 OWS |
Interactive Knowledge Drill: Test Root Word LOQU
What is the One Word Substitution for "An indirect, roundabout way of expressing something"?
(Repeated in SSC CGL Tier 1 2019, 2022)
Frequently Asked Questions on Root Word LOQU
What does the Latin root word LOQU or LOCUT mean?
The Latin root word 'loqu' or 'locut' (from loqui) means 'to speak', 'to talk', or 'discourse'. Every English word containing this root is directly related to speech, voice, conversation, or verbal delivery.
What is the difference between Loquacious and Grandiloquent?
Loquacious simply means talking a great deal (talkative/chatty). Grandiloquent means speaking in an exaggerated, pompous, or bombastic style using complex words to impress others.
What is Circumlocution in SSC CGL One Word Substitution?
Circumlocution (circum = around + loqu = talk) literally means 'talking around a subject' — using an unnecessarily roundabout, indirect way of expressing an idea rather than saying it directly.
What is the antonym of Loquacious in competitive exams?
The most common exam antonyms of Loquacious are Taciturn (habitually silent), Reticent (reserved in speech), and Laconic (using very few words).
What is a Soliloquy?
A Soliloquy (solus = alone + loqu = talk) is the act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of any listeners, frequently tested in dramatic literature passages and SSC OWS.
Explore High-Yield Latin & Greek Root Word Guides
Master competitive vocabulary by exploring our comprehensive root word family guides:
Root BENE (Good / Well)
18+ words: Benefactor, Benevolent, Benign, Benediction.
Root MAL (Bad / Evil)
18+ words: Malevolent, Malicious, Malady, Malfeasance.
Root LOQU / LOCUT (Speak)
16+ words: Loquacious, Eloquent, Soliloquy, Colloquial.
Root PHOBIA (Fear / Dread)
50+ words: Claustrophobia, Acrophobia, Hydrophobia.
Root PHIL / PHILE (Love)
20+ words: Bibliophile, Philanthropist, Philosophy.
Root BELLI (War / Fight)
18+ words: Bellicose, Belligerent, Antebellum, Rebellion.
Root CHRON (Time)
18+ words: Chronology, Anachronism, Chronic, Synchronize.
Root OMNI (All / Everywhere)
16+ words: Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnivorous.