Circumlocution
ser-kuhm-loh-KYOO-shuhn
/ˌsɜːr.kəm.loʊˈkjuː.ʃən/
The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.
The noun form representing the act or practice of talking around something.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'circumlocutio', coining a literal translation of Greek 'periphrasis' in ancient legal rhetoric.
Word relationships
- periphrasis: 'Periphrasis' is a technical linguistic term; 'circumlocution' is broader.
- evasiveness: 'Evasiveness' focuses on the intent to hide; 'circumlocution' on the indirect word choice.
- directness: Simplicity and plainness of expression.
- succinctness: Concise clarity.
Commonly confused with
- circumscribed: 'Circumscribed' means restricted or bounded; 'circumlocution' means indirect speech.
Word family
- circumlocutory (adjective): Roundabout and indirect in speech.
Collocations
- master of circumlocution
- bureaucratic circumlocution
- resort to circumlocution
- avoid circumlocution
Idioms & expressions
- talking around in circles
- beating around the bush
Example sentences
- "Through clever circumlocution, the spokesperson avoided admitting the project was defunded." Political Analysis
Memory hook
Circum (circle) + locution (speech) = circle speech. Circumlocution = Circular talking.
When not to use
Do not use for simple grammar errors; it refers to deliberate or habitual circular phrasing.
Fun facts
- Euphemisms often rely on circumlocution, like saying 'passed away' instead of 'died'.
Related words
Explore more words
prevarication, prevaricate, evasion, equivocate, subterfuge, stall
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