Circumlocutory: meaning, definitions and examples
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circumlocutory
[ ˌsəːrkəmˈlɒkjʊt(ə)ri ]
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.
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
Word origin
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.