Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Circumlocution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤐
Add to dictionary

circumlocution

[ˌsərkəmˈləʊkjuːʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

Synonyms

equivocation, evasion, verbosity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
circumlocution

Use this when someone is speaking in a roundabout way, using many words to say something simple. It often implies complexity or an attempt to avoid directly answering a question.

  • The politician's speech was full of circumlocution, making it hard to understand his actual position
  • Her explanation was so full of circumlocution that I lost track of what she was trying to say
evasion

Use this to describe the act of avoiding a direct answer or avoiding responsibility. It often has a negative connotation of avoiding the truth.

  • His evasion of the reporter's questions raised suspicions
  • She was skilled in the art of evasion, always dodging difficult conversations
equivocation

This word is useful when someone is being deliberately ambiguous or unclear, often to deceive or mislead. It often suggests dishonesty.

  • His equivocation about the project's delays made it evident he was hiding something
  • The lawyer's equivocation left the jury uncertain about the truth
verbosity

This word describes the use of too many words, often making the communication unnecessarily long and complicated. It generally has a negative connotation of being inefficient.

  • The author's verbosity made the book difficult to read
  • Despite his verbosity, he failed to make a clear point

Examples of usage

  • She was a master of circumlocution, never giving a straight answer to any question.
  • His circumlocution only served to confuse the listeners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Rhetoric

  • Effective circumlocution can make speech sound more formal or sophisticated, which is often utilized in legal or academic writing.
  • Using this technique can allow speakers to navigate sensitive topics tactfully.
  • In literature, authors may use circumlocution for comedic effect or to build suspense.

Psychology

  • Engaging in circumlocution can indicate a desire to avoid confrontation or unease about the topic.
  • Research shows that people may use this approach when they lack confidence in their information or when the direct answer may cause discomfort.
  • In social interactions, increased circumlocution can be perceived as a sign of politeness or avoidance.

Pop Culture

  • Some comedians use circumlocution to enhance humor, turning simple statements into elaborate stories.
  • In political speeches, speakers often employ this technique to avoid direct answers, creating ambiguity and leaving room for interpretation.
  • Many television shows feature characters who use unnecessary wordiness to comic effect, highlighting the absurdity of over-explaining.

Communication

  • In professional settings, circumlocution may lead to misunderstandings if the audience is not following the convoluted explanation.
  • Some cultures appreciate indirect communication, making circumlocution a common conversational strategy.
  • Conversely, directness is valued in other cultures, where circumlocution may be frustrating or confusing.

Origin of 'circumlocution'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin roots: 'circum' meaning 'around' and 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 16th century, reflecting changes in language usage over time.
  • Related words in other languages often express similar long-winded explanations, indicating a shared human tendency to elaborate.

The word 'circumlocution' originated from the Latin words 'circum' meaning 'around' and 'loqui' meaning 'to speak'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. The term gained popularity in the 19th century due to its usage in literature and rhetoric. Writers and speakers often employed circumlocution to add style and complexity to their expression.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,003 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.