Circumlocution: meaning, definitions and examples
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circumlocution
[ ˌsərkəmˈləʊkjuːʃ(ə)n ]
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.