circumlocution
1
9.2
- noun
- /ˌsɜrkəmloʊˈkjuːʃən/
- During the debate, she resorted to circumlocution instead of answering the question directly, leaving everyone confused.
Examples
-
In his speech, he used circumlocution to avoid addressing the controversial topic head-on.
-
The meeting had been set up with delicacy and circumlocution, each side taking precautions against a possible double cross.
Fiction book (1990) -
Rather, I approached these words through gesture, simile, and circumlocution.
Fiction book (2001) -
What with repetitions, circumlocutions, and lousy grammar, he took over an hour to convey what I have briefly summarized above.
Fiction book (2002) -
Others won't say something directly and plainly, but insist on circumlocutions, euphemisms, and vague hints.
Blog text (17) -
Her conversation was intelligible but was marked by WFDs manifesting as indeterminate responses, circumlocutions, and naming delays.
Academic text (2012) -
The politician's circumlocution made it difficult to understand his true position on the issue.
Synonyms
9
9.9
Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer
6
6.6
An indirect statement that hides an unpleasant truth
4
9.3
Language that hides the truth by using vague or confusing words
3
9.9
To avoid telling the truth by being vague or misleading
3
7.4
Avoiding giving a direct answer so people do not know what you really think
3
8.3
Words or phrases that avoid saying something clearly and often make people believe something untrue
2
8.8
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
1
7.3
Using more words than needed when speaking or writing
1
9.9
A habit of using too many words that makes people bored
1
4.8
Using more language than needed in writing or speech
1
6.4
A way of telling someone something without saying it directly
1
9.9
Using more words than needed to say something in a roundabout way
1
6.8
Speaking or writing with more words than needed and making the meaning unclear
1
9.9
Talking in a roundabout way to avoid the main point
1
7.4
Using more words than needed so speech or writing is hard to follow
Long, indirect speech that avoids a direct answer
Antonyms
How Direct
7
3.4
181
3.0
45
2.0
6
6.6
1
9.2
1
4.8
- Literature
1
9.9
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Circumlocution comes from the Latin parts circum- ('around') and locut- ('speak'), so it literally means 'speaking around'. A helpful image is talking in a circle of words instead of saying something straight, which is why it means using many words to avoid a direct answer.