Circumlocutory: meaning, definitions and examples

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circumlocutory

[ˌsəːrkəmˈlɒkjʊt(ə)ri ]

Definitions

^{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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
circumlocutory	When someone uses more words than necessary to express an idea, often to be unclear or avoid the main point. The politician's circumlocutory response to the simple question frustrated the audience. Her explanation was so circumlocutory that no one understood what she meant.
evasive	When someone avoids giving a clear or direct answer, often to escape responsibility or avoid revealing the truth. The CEO's evasive answers during the press conference raised suspicion. Her evasive behavior made me question her honesty.
ambiguous	When something can be understood in more than one way, often leading to confusion. The contract's language was ambiguous, causing disputes between the parties. His ambiguous statement left everyone unsure of his true intentions.
vague	When something is not clear or specific, often lacking detail or precision. His instructions were so vague that I didn't know what to do next. The description in the report was vague and left many questions unanswered.
roundabout	When the method or explanation is not straightforward, taking a longer or less direct route. He took a roundabout way of explaining the problem, making it more complicated than it needed to be. She gave a roundabout excuse, instead of simply saying she didn't want to go.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
circumlocutory	Used to describe speech or writing that is long-winded, often with unnecessary words or complicated language, typically to avoid directly addressing a topic. His circumlocutory explanation left everyone confused and frustrated. The politician's circumlocutory response avoided giving a clear answer.
indirect	Describes a manner of communication that is not straightforward. It is used when someone implies or suggests something rather than stating it plainly. Her indirect remarks hinted at her dissatisfaction with the project. Rather than confronting him directly, she made an indirect comment about his lateness.
evasive	Used when someone is not giving a direct answer or is trying to avoid the topic, often to escape responsibility or avoid giving a clear opinion. This usually has a negative connotation. He gave an evasive reply, clearly not wanting to commit to anything. The company's evasive attitude only raised more questions about their practices.
oblique	Applied when a reference or statement is made in a way that is not straightforward, often creating a sense of vagueness or confusion. It can carry a negative or neutral connotation depending on the situation. The article made several oblique references to the scandal, never mentioning it outright. His oblique approach left many wondering what his true motives were.
ambiguous	Describes something that can be understood in more than one way or is unclear in meaning. It can be used when it's not clear what someone means or when something has multiple interpretations. Her ambiguous statement made it hard to understand her true feelings. The instructions were so ambiguous that no one knew what to do.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'circum-' meaning 'around' and 'loquor' meaning 'to speak'.
First appeared in English in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing interest in complex language styles.
It relates closely to 'circumlocution', which means speaking in circles, emphasizing indirectness.

Communication Styles

Some people use circumlocutory language when they want to avoid a subject or soften a harsh statement.
In literature, it's often used for comic effect, as characters babble instead of getting to the point.
This style can lead to confusion, as the main message may be lost in a sea of words.

Psychology

Research shows that people who use this style may be trying to be polite or non-confrontational.
It can also indicate anxiety, where individuals overthink their words and fear miscommunication.
Being overly circumlocutory can be a sign of someone trying to impress with vocabulary rather than clarity.

Pop Culture

Circumlocutory speech often appears in satire, as characters with this trait are depicted as pretentious or evasive.
In famous sitcoms, characters sometimes get led into long-winded stories to humorously delay a resolution.
Writers like Jane Austen often used this technique to highlight social nuances and the complexity of human interactions.

Literature

Many authors employ this technique to create dramatic tension, revealing character traits through their verbosity.
In poetry, circumlocutory phrases can enrich imagery and emotion, weaving complex thoughts into fewer lines.
The style might reflect a character's intellect or social status, sometimes portraying them as educated but excessively wordy.

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 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.

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