circumlocution

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion

noun \ˌsər-k^əm-lō-ˈkyü-shən\

Definition of CIRCUMLOCUTION

1

: the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea

2

: evasion in speech

— cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry \-ˈlä-kyə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Examples of CIRCUMLOCUTION

1. He was criticized for his use of circumlocution.
2. I'm trying to avoid circumlocutions in my writing.

Origin of CIRCUMLOCUTION

Middle English circumlocucyon, from Latin circumlocution-, circumlocutio, from circum- + locutio speech, from loqui to speak

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CIRCUMLOCUTION

Synonyms: equivocation, shuffle, tergiversation

Related Words: quibbling; ambiguity, ambiguousness, equivocalness, murkiness, nebulousness, obscureness, obscurity, opacity

Near Antonyms: candor, directness, forthrightness, frankness, openheartedness, openness, plainness, plumpness, straightforwardness

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with CIRCUMLOCUTION

antipollution, electrocution, final solution, green revolution, irresolution, joint resolution, maldistribution, reconstitution, redistribution