Circumlocutory
ser-kuhm-LOK-yuh-tor-ee
/ˌsɜːr.kəmˈlɑː.kjə.tɔːr.i/
Using an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea; indirect.
Specifically refers to talking around a topic to avoid directness, often intentionally evasive.
The story behind the word. Formed in Latin as a translation of the Greek rhetorical term 'periphrasis'. It literally means 'speaking around' a point.
Word relationships
- roundabout: 'Roundabout' is everyday; 'circumlocutory' is formal and academic.
- evasive: 'Evasive' focuses on hiding the truth; 'circumlocutory' focuses on the circular word choice.
- direct: Straightforward without detour.
- forthright: Direct and outspoken.
Commonly confused with
- circumnavigation: 'Circumnavigation' is traveling around the globe; 'circumlocutory' is talking around an issue.
Word family
- circumlocution (noun): The use of unnecessarily indirect language.
- circumlocutor (noun): A person who speaks in a roundabout manner.
Collocations
- circumlocutory answer
- circumlocutory phrase
- circumlocutory reasoning
- circumlocutory style
Idioms & expressions
- beating around the bush
- going in circles
Example sentences
- "The politician gave a circumlocutory response to avoid answering whether taxes would increase." Political Press Conference
Memory hook
Circum = circle + locutory = talk; talking in circles! Circum-locutory = Talking in circles.
When not to use
Avoid using for simple loudness; it specifically means indirect phrasing.
Fun facts
- Charles Dickens created the famous 'Circumlocution Office' in Little Dorrit to mock government bureaucracy.
Related words
Explore more words
prevarication, prevaricate, equivocate, dilatory, succinct, evasion
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