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Euphemism: meaning, definitions and examples

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euphemism

 

[ หˆjuหfษ™หŒmษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น eufemismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคชเฅ‡เค•เฅเคทเคพ (upekhsha)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Euphemismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ eufemisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะฒั„ะตะผั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ eufemizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฉ‰ๆ›ฒ่กจ็พ (ใˆใ‚“ใใ‚‡ใใฒใ‚‡ใ†ใ’ใ‚“, enkyoku hyลgen)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท euphรฉmisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ eufemismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eรผfemizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™„๊ณก์–ด๋ฒ• (wankok eobeob)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุนุจูŠุฑ ู…ูƒู†ูŠ (taสฟbฤซr maknฤซ)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ eufemismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ eufemizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅง”ๅฉ‰่ฏญ (wฤ›iwวŽnyว”)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ eufemizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ eufemismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฒั„ะตะผะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒคแƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜ (ephemizmi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ eufemizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ eufemismo

Etymology

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.