circumlocution
1
9.2
- noun
- /ˌsɜrkəmloʊˈkjuːʃən/
:
circunlocución
- 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
12
6.6
An indirect statement that hides an unpleasant truth
9
9.9
Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer
6
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
2
8.8
Saying or doing things in a roundabout way instead of being direct
2
8.3
Words or phrases that avoid saying something clearly and often make people believe something untrue
1
7.3
Using more words than needed when speaking or writing
1
4.8
Using more language than needed in writing or speech
1
9.9
A habit of using too many words that makes people bored
Long, indirect speech that avoids a direct answer
Talking in a roundabout way to avoid the main point
Using more words than needed to say something in a roundabout way
A way of telling someone something without saying it directly
Using more words than needed so speech or writing is hard to follow
Speaking or writing with more words than needed and making the meaning unclear
Antonyms
How Direct
6
3.4
152
3.0
89
2.0
12
6.6
1
9.2
1
4.8
- Literature
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.