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euphemistically

euphemistically

4 7.8
In a way that uses mild or indirect words instead of harsh ones
  • adverb
  • /ˌjuːfəmˈɪstɪkli/
translation icon : eufemísticamente
  • The British, US, and Japanese governments have all been engaging in what they euphemistically termed "quantitative easing."
  • euphemistically called
  • euphemistically refer
  • euphemistically known

There is a spot in central London that is euphemistically referred to as Tyburn Tree.

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Examples

  • Prison and punishment are dirty words in American "corrections," as the field is euphemistically known.

    Academic text (1997)
  • During the meeting, the manager euphemistically mentioned the layoffs as a 'streamlining initiative.'

  • As a result, I am what is euphemistically referred to as a poor person.

    Academic text (2012)
  • And this was what was euphemistically called Mount Harvard.

  • There is a spot in central London that is euphemistically referred to as Tyburn Tree.

  • Surely many people believed her to be what was euphemistically called a fellow traveler.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Since 1968, 85 percent of legal immigrants have come from what is euphemistically called "developing countries."

    Blog text (8)
  • Yet back home, what is euphemistically known as the "process of change" is deeply entangled with big oil and gas.

    Academic text (2012)
  • We're over the bridge now on 93, which is euphemistically called a freeway.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The Internet's abuzz with what's been euphemistically described as "extreme criticism" over Stacey's political endorsement.

    Blog text (20)

Synonyms

indirectly
vseuphemistically
78 4.2

In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else

softens harsh ideas to make them seem milder

Antonyms

49 3.5

In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant

40 4.6

In a direct way that is not polite

How Mild

euphemistically
4 7.8
gently
372 1.0
mildly
92 2.7

Surface Forms

euphemistically positive

Morphology

euphemistically = euphemistic (transparent) = euphemism + istic + ally

The adverb is a regular adverbial form of the adjective 'euphemistic' and directly means 'in a euphemistic manner'.

Etymology

Euphemistically comes from Greek parts eu- meaning 'good', as in the word euphoria, and pheme meaning 'speech'. So to speak euphemistically is to use 'good' or gentle words instead of harsh ones.