noun
volubility
vah-lyuh-BIL-uh-tee/ˌvɑljəˈbɪləti/
The ability or tendency to speak fluently, rapidly, and at length.
The woman's volubility sustains an animated conversation throughout the café visit.
Etymology
The rolling or flowing quality of volubilis was applied figuratively to speech. Volubility names that ready flow of words, especially when it becomes excessive.
In context
Angelica was bewildered by this volubility.
More examples
- His usual volubility disappears when someone asks about his finances.
- The host's volubility leaves her guests little time to answer.
- The witness's volubility makes it difficult to record every word.
Forms
volubility
voluble adjective — Speaking readily, rapidly, and at length.
volubly adverb — In a fluent, rapid, talkative manner.
Similar words
- fluency
- Emphasizes smooth expression, not necessarily speed or lengthy speech.
- talkativeness
- Emphasizes how much someone talks, without implying fluent delivery.
- verbosity
- Emphasizes excessive wordiness rather than ease or speed of speech.