circumambulation
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌsɜrkəmæmbjʊˈleɪʃən/
- Formal
- Instead of addressing the issue directly, she resorted to circumambulation in her explanation.
Examples
-
His circumambulation of the topic made it difficult to understand his true opinion.
-
The politician's circumambulation frustrated reporters who wanted a clear answer.
-
His speech was filled with circumambulation instead of clarity.
-
The professor's circumambulation made the topic more confusing.
-
The politician's circumambulation frustrated reporters who wanted a clear answer.
-
Instead of addressing the issue directly, she resorted to circumambulation in her explanation.
-
His circumambulation of the topic made it difficult to understand his true opinion.
Synonyms
6
6.6
An indirect statement that hides an unpleasant truth
2
8.8
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
1
9.2
Using many words to avoid saying something directly
1
9.9
Using more words than needed to say something in a roundabout way
Long, indirect speech that avoids a direct answer
A way of doing something that avoids a direct answer or clear action
Antonyms
How Direct
- Informal
17
5.6
- Formal
1
9.9
1
9.2
6
6.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
circumambulation = circumambulate (semi-transparent) = circum + ambulate + ion
The noun is a standard nominalization of 'circumambulate', but the sense 'indirect/roundabout speaking' is a metaphorical extension rather than a literal walking meaning.
Etymology
The word circumambulation comes from the Latin parts circum- 'around' and ambulare 'to walk', and it shares the same root as the English verb amble. A helpful image is 'walking around' an idea instead of going straight to it, so circumambulation can mean speaking or dealing with something in a roundabout way to avoid the main point.