circumlocution

noun
UK: /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/
US: /ˌsɝː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/

  1. The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.

    1. His speech was full of circumlocution, avoiding the main issue.
    2. The politician's circumlocution made it difficult to understand his true position on the matter.

  2. An indirect way of expressing something.

    1. Instead of a direct answer, he used circumlocution to dodge the question.
    2. She employed circumlocution to delicately break the bad news to her friend.

Synonyms

verbosity periphrasis euphemism

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "circumlocution" in English means: The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive., An indirect way of expressing something..

The phonetic transcription of "circumlocution" is /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/ in British English and /ˌsɝː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "circumlocution": verbosity, periphrasis, euphemism.

Example usage of "circumlocution": "His speech was full of circumlocution, avoiding the main issue.". More examples on the page.