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Circumlocutory: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumlocutory

 

[ ˌsəːrkəmˈlɒkjʊt(ə)ri ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in speech or writing

Using many words when fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

Synonyms

ambiguous, evasive, roundabout, vague

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his circumlocutory way of speaking, often leaving his audience confused.
  • The politician's circumlocutory answers avoided directly addressing the issue at hand.
Context #2 | Adjective

in writing

Characterized by indirectness or evasion in speech or action.

Synonyms

ambiguous, evasive, indirect, oblique

Examples of usage

  • Her circumlocutory writing style made it difficult to understand the main point of her argument.
  • The author's circumlocutory descriptions added unnecessary length to the novel.

Translations

Translations of the word "circumlocutory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circunlocutório

🇮🇳 परिहारक

🇩🇪 umschweifig

🇮🇩 berbelit

🇺🇦 обхідний

🇵🇱 okrężny

🇯🇵 回りくどい

🇫🇷 circonlocutoire

🇪🇸 circunlocutorio

🇹🇷 dolambaçlı

🇰🇷 완곡한

🇸🇦 التفافي

🇨🇿 oklikový

🇸🇰 okľukový

🇨🇳 迂回的

🇸🇮 okolisen

🇮🇸 kringumstæður

🇰🇿 айналып өтетін

🇬🇪 შემოვლითი

🇦🇿 dolayı

🇲🇽 circunlocutorio

Etymology

The word 'circumlocutory' comes from the Latin word 'circumlocutus', which means 'to speak in a roundabout way'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a style of speaking or writing that is indirect or evasive. It is often used in a critical or negative sense to indicate that the speaker or writer is being unnecessarily verbose or unclear.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,729, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.