Euphemism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
euphemism
[ หjuหfษหmษชzษm ]
language use
A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Euphemisms are often used to soften the impact of a topic that might otherwise be uncomfortable to discuss openly. For instance, instead of saying someone 'died,' one might use the phrase 'passed away.' This linguistic strategy can help to facilitate communication in sensitive situations.
Synonyms
circumlocution, softening, substitute
Examples of usage
- She said he was 'let go' rather than 'fired.'
- Using 'passed away' makes the conversation more comforting.
- He referred to the layoffs as 'right-sizing.'
Translations
Translations of the word "euphemism" in other languages:
๐ต๐น eufemismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคชเฅเคเฅเคทเคพ (upekhsha)
๐ฉ๐ช Euphemismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ eufemisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะตะฒัะตะผัะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ eufemizm
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฉๆฒ่กจ็พ (ใใใใใใฒใใใใ, enkyoku hyลgen)
๐ซ๐ท euphรฉmisme
๐ช๐ธ eufemismo
๐น๐ท eรผfemizm
๐ฐ๐ท ์๊ณก์ด๋ฒ (wankok eobeob)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุนุจูุฑ ู ููู (taสฟbฤซr maknฤซ)
๐จ๐ฟ eufemismus
๐ธ๐ฐ eufemizmus
๐จ๐ณ ๅงๅฉ่ฏญ (wฤiwวnyว)
๐ธ๐ฎ eufemizem
๐ฎ๐ธ eufemismi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฒัะตะผะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแคแแแแแแ (ephemizmi)
๐ฆ๐ฟ eufemizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ eufemismo
Word origin
The term 'euphemism' originates from the Greek word 'euphemia,' which means 'to speak well.' It combines 'eu-' meaning 'good' and 'phemi,' meaning 'to speak.' The use of euphemisms dates back to ancient times, where language was often tempered to avoid offending or to conform to social norms. Initially, euphemisms were employed to speak of divine matters or topics linked to death and the dead, where respectful language was deemed appropriate. As language evolved, the use of euphemisms expanded to various aspects of life, aiming to soften the impact of harsh realities or to address sensitive issues such as politics, health, and social relationships. Today, euphemisms are prevalent across many languages and cultures, reflecting society's attempt to navigate complex or uncomfortable subjects.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,281, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 24278 spliced
- 24279 extravagantly
- 24280 stolid
- 24281 euphemism
- 24282 unfitted
- 24283 indistinctly
- 24284 historicity
- ...