genteelism

noun
UK: /dʒenˈtiːlɪzəm/
US: /dʒenˈtiːlɪzəm/

  1. A word or expression used to avoid saying something unpleasant or offensive, often to appear more polite or refined.

    1. Using 'passed away' instead of 'died' is a common genteelism.
    2. The company's use of 'downsizing' as a genteelism for layoffs didn't fool anyone at all.

  2. The practice of using such words or expressions.

    1. Her speech was full of genteelism, avoiding any direct mention of money.
    2. The constant genteelism in the novel made it difficult to understand the character's true feelings.

Synonyms

euphemism circumlocution

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "genteelism" in English means: A word or expression used to avoid saying something unpleasant or offensive, often to appear more polite or refined., The practice of using such words or expressions..

The phonetic transcription of "genteelism" is /dʒenˈtiːlɪzəm/ in British English and /dʒenˈtiːlɪzəm/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "genteelism": euphemism, circumlocution.

Example usage of "genteelism": "Using 'passed away' instead of 'died' is a common genteelism.". More examples on the page.