loqu

Loqu is a linguistic term used to denote a Latin-derived combining form meaning “to speak.” It is not a stand-alone English word, but appears as a root in many terms that relate to speech, conversation, or language.

Etymology and form: The root originates from the Latin verb loqui, “to speak.” In English, loqu- appears in several related spellings and forms, including loqu-, loquac-, and colloqu-, with examples such as loquacious, loquacity, eloquent, eloquence, colloquy, and colloquial. The root is often associated with speech that is expressive, fluent, or communicative, and it is commonly encountered in etymological analyses of English vocabulary.

Usage and examples: The loqu- family yields adjectives and nouns that describe speaking behavior or quality. Loquacious means given to excessive talking; loquacity refers to a high propensity for speech. Eloquence and eloquent relate to fluent, persuasive speaking. Colloquial and colloquy pertain to informal speech and conversations, while soliloquy refers to a speech by a person when alone on stage. These terms illustrate how the loqu root conveys various aspects of speaking, from the act itself to the style or quality of expression.

Relation to other roots: Loqu- is part of a broader set of speech-related roots in English, including locu- and log- (the latter from logos, meaning word or reason). While loqu- emphasizes speaking, other roots may emphasize hearing, thinking, or writing. In scholarly contexts, loqu- is treated as a productive morpheme for forming new terms related to discourse and communication.