euphemism

One entry found for euphemism.

Main Entry: eu·phe·mism
Pronunciation: 'yü-f&-"mi-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek euphEmismos, from euphEmos auspicious, sounding good, from eu- + phEmE speech, from phanai to speak -- more at BAN
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant; also : the expression so substituted
- eu·phe·mist /-mist/ noun
- eu·phe·mis·tic /"yü-f&-'mis-tik/ adjective
- eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb