circumlocution

[ sur-kuhm-loh-kyoo-shuhn ]

noun

1. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.

   Synonyms: prolixity, verbosity, rambling

2. a roundabout expression.

circumlocution

/ -trɪ; ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃən; ˌsɜːkəmˈlɒkjʊtərɪ /

noun

1. an indirect way of expressing something
2. an indirect expression

circumlocution

1. Roundabout speech or writing: “The driveway was not unlike that military training device known as an obstacle course” is a circumlocution for “The driveway resembled an obstacle course.” Circumlocution comes from Latin words meaning “speaking around.”

Derived Forms

• circumlocutory, adjective

Other Words From

• cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry [sur-k, uh, m-, lok, -y, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], circum·lo·cution·al circum·lo·cution·ary adjective
• uncir·cum·locu·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumlocution¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin circumlocūtiōn- (stem of circumlocūtiō ). See circum-, locution

Example Sentences

To borrow the indelible circumlocution of the New York Times, the deal is “a foul-tasting sandwich” that both parties have ultimately decided to eat—while describing it publicly as, you know, a normal sandwich.

From Slate

“You’re now a beautiful, strong flower, who must protect your delicate petals and clean them regularly,” she adds, in one of the film’s more hilarious examples of motherly misunderstanding and circumlocution.

From Washington Post

“Little Dorrit,” the 1857 novel by Charles Dickens, lampoons the omnipotent “Department of Circumlocution,” whose stupefying procedures keep the heroine down.

From New York Times

“On both sides, there’s been a lot of circumlocution and attempted Churchillian rhetoric about the precedent to be followed during an election year to fill a vacancy,” Mr. Kennedy said on Fox News.

From Washington Times

His clumsy circumlocution reflects a desire to wriggle out from answering for the consequences of one’s own choices, a basic inability to make a defense masquerading as a defense.

From The Guardian