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Circumlocution: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumlocution

 

[ ˌsərkəmˈləʊkjuːʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
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

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

Translations of the word "circumlocution" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunlocução

🇮🇳 घुमावदार वाक्य

🇩🇪 Umschreibung

🇮🇩 berputar-putar

🇺🇦 околичність

🇵🇱 omówienie

🇯🇵 遠回し

🇫🇷 circonlocution

🇪🇸 circunlocución

🇹🇷 dolaylı anlatım

🇰🇷 완곡어법

🇸🇦 التورية

🇨🇿 opisování

🇸🇰 opisovanie

🇨🇳 迂回

🇸🇮 opisovanje

🇮🇸 umfjöllun

🇰🇿 айналма сөз

🇬🇪 გადმოცემის გარშემო

🇦🇿 dolayı anlatım

🇲🇽 circunlocución

Word origin

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.