Roundaboutness: meaning, definitions and examples
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roundaboutness
[ˌraʊndəˈbaʊtnəs ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
abstract concept
Roundaboutness refers to the quality of being indirect or circuitous. It can describe a style of communication or reasoning that avoids a straightforward approach and instead takes a longer or more complicated route.
Synonyms
circumlocution, indirection, periphrasis, verbosity.
Examples of usage
- The speaker's roundaboutness made it difficult to understand their main point.
- Roundaboutness in instructions often leads to confusion among the audience.
- Her writing is known for its roundaboutness, requiring careful reading to grasp the message.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word combines 'roundabout,' meaning circular and indirect, with the suffix '-ness' to indicate a characteristic.
- It has roots in Middle English, with 'roundabout' appearing by the 14th century to describe something curvy or circuitous.
Communication Styles
- In conversation, roundaboutness can be perceived as polite, allowing the speaker to soften potentially harsh messages.
- People might use indirect language to maintain harmony in social contexts, as it avoids confrontation.
- Cultural communication styles vary; some cultures favor directness, while others see roundaboutness as a sign of respect.
Psychology
- Roundabout thinking can reflect a person's cognitive style; some prefer detailed reasoning, while others opt for straight answers.
- Research in psychology shows that individuals may sometimes use indirect communication when they struggle with expressing themselves clearly.
- Using roundabout explanations can be a strategic way to reveal opinions without taking direct responsibility for them.
Literature
- In storytelling, roundaboutness is often employed to build suspense or develop characters more deeply.
- Authors like James Joyce use a roundabout narrative style to mirror the complexities of human thought and experience.
- Poetry often employs indirect language to evoke emotions without stating them overtly, engaging the reader’s imagination.
Cultural Perspectives
- Certain cultures, such as Japanese or many Indigenous cultures, exemplify roundaboutness due to their emphasis on nuance in communication.
- In Western cultures, being roundabout is sometimes associated with lack of confidence or clarity, while it’s embraced for storytelling in Eastern contexts.