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Circuitous: meaning, definitions and examples

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circuitous

 

[ sərˈkjuːɪtəs ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

describing a route or journey

Circuitous describes a route, journey, or process that is longer and more complicated than it needs to be, often because it avoids directness or simplicity. It implies a winding or indirect course, rather than a straight line or direct path.

Synonyms

indirect, meandering, roundabout

Examples of usage

  • The circuitous road through the mountains added an extra hour to our journey.
  • Her circuitous explanation only confused the audience further.
Context #2 | Adverb

describing movement or action

Circuitously is the adverb form of circuitous, indicating that something is done in a roundabout or indirect manner. It suggests a lack of straightforwardness or directness in the way something is done.

Synonyms

indirectly, meanderingly, roundaboutly

Examples of usage

  • She spoke circuitously, never getting to the point directly.
  • He navigated the room circuitously, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Translations

Translations of the word "circuitous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tortuoso

🇮🇳 घुमावदार

🇩🇪 umständlich

🇮🇩 berliku

🇺🇦 звивистий

🇵🇱 kręty

🇯🇵 回りくどい

🇫🇷 circonlocutoire

🇪🇸 tortuoso

🇹🇷 dolambaçlı

🇰🇷 우회하는

🇸🇦 متعرج

🇨🇿 křivolaký

🇸🇰 kľukatý

🇨🇳 迂回的

🇸🇮 okolišen

🇮🇸 bugðóttur

🇰🇿 ирек-жирек

🇬🇪 მოხვეულებიანი

🇦🇿 dolayı

🇲🇽 tortuoso

Etymology

The word circuitous originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'circuitus', meaning 'a going round'. It has been used in English to describe indirect or roundabout routes or processes ever since.

See also: circuitously, circuitry.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,964, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.