silver-tongued

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "silver-tongued" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is a persuasive orator or speaker, usually used in a flattering way. For example: "The politician was silver-tongued, delivering a powerful speech to rally his supporters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So much for the silver-tongued bookmakers.

The Guardian - Sport

He describes Cruze as a "silver-tongued, buttermilk-drinking devil".

The New York Times

The silver-tongued campaigner has turned out to be a leaden salesman in the Oval Office.

The New York Times

The Bush administration was hardly a halcyon era of silver-tongued happy talk.

The Economist

The two tall, left-handed, silver-tongued baby boomers both grew up not knowing their fathers.

The New York Times

As their creation expands beyond their wildest dreams, they are courted by silver-tongued venture capitalists.

The Economist

Mr. Brosnan is perfectly cast as a silver-tongued predator eyeing an irresistible morsel.

The New York Times

Although he has retained something of the salesman – silver-tongued, but over-promising.

The Guardian - Opinion

Next to that silver-tongued bastard I'm going to sound like someone with a head injury".

The New Yorker

The silver-tongued Clent charms her with "phrases as vivid and strange as spices".

The Guardian

Or for dinner by candlelight with a few silver-tongued friends.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silver-tongued" to describe someone who is not only eloquent but also persuasive and charming, especially in situations where their words have a significant impact.

Common error

While "silver-tongued" is a vivid descriptor, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound cliché or overly dramatic. Opt for it only when you want to specifically emphasize the persuasive and charming nature of someone's speech.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "silver-tongued" is as an adjective. It modifies a noun, describing someone with persuasive and eloquent speech. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's used to characterize individuals, such as politicians or lawyers, known for their captivating communication skills. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "silver-tongued" is an adjective used to describe someone with exceptionally persuasive and eloquent speech. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and numerous examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist demonstrate its common usage, particularly in news and media. While generally positive, the term can sometimes imply a degree of insincerity, so context is important. Related phrases include "eloquent" and "articulate". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the subject's persuasive charm and avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Eloquent

Focuses on refined and expressive communication.

Articulate

Highlights the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

Persuasive speaker

Emphasizes the ability to convince others.

Smooth-spoken

Suggests a charming and effortless manner of speaking, sometimes with a hint of insincerity.

Fluent

Indicates ease and grace in speaking.

Gifted orator

Highlights exceptional skill in public speaking.

Convincing

Focuses on the ability to make others believe in what one says.

Charismatic speaker

Emphasizes the speaker's personal charm and ability to captivate an audience.

Well-spoken

Implies a sophisticated and educated manner of speech.

Glib

Suggests fluency and persuasiveness, but often with a negative connotation of insincerity or superficiality.

FAQs

How can I use "silver-tongued" in a sentence?

You can use "silver-tongued" to describe someone who is eloquent and persuasive. For example: "The "silver-tongued" lawyer convinced the jury of his client's innocence."

What does it mean when someone is described as "silver-tongued"?

When someone is described as "silver-tongued", it means they are exceptionally articulate and persuasive in their speech, often implying a charming or even manipulative quality.

Are there any negative connotations to being called "silver-tongued"?

While generally positive, "silver-tongued" can sometimes imply a degree of insincerity or manipulation. Alternatives such as "eloquent" or "articulate" might be preferable in more formal or neutral contexts.

What are some synonyms for "silver-tongued"?

Synonyms for "silver-tongued" include "smooth-spoken", "eloquent", "articulate", and "persuasive speaker". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.