Circumlocutory: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.