What Latin verb meaning "to speak" is the root of the words "interlocutor" and "eloquent"?

The correct option, which is a verb meaning "to speak," is significant because it forms the basis for various related English words. "Dicere," which means "to say" or "to speak," is the root for terms like "dictate" and "dictionary." These English derivatives indicate a connection to the act of speaking or verbal expression.

In contrast, "interlocutor" originates from the Latin "interloqui," meaning "to speak between," highlighting a person who participates in dialogue or conversation. Similarly, "eloquent" can be traced back to the Latin "eloqui," which means "to speak out" and refers to someone who is articulate and persuasive in speech. Both of these words stem from the root concept of speaking as established by "dicere," illustrating the fundamental connection between language and communication in Latin and its derivatives in English.

The other options do not connect as directly to the meaning of "to speak" in the same way as "dicere" does. While "loqui" also means "to speak," it specifically refers to conversation rather than the broader act of speaking, which is more accurately captured by the meaning of "dicere."