Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
circumlocution
noun
/ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkuːʃən/
Definition
The use of many words to express an idea that could be expressed more directly; a roundabout way of speaking.
Examples
- His circumlocution made it difficult to understand his main point.
- Instead of giving a straightforward answer, she resorted to circumlocution.
- The politician’s speech was filled with circumlocution, avoiding the real issues at hand.
Meaning
Circumlocution refers to the practice of talking around a subject instead of addressing it directly. It often involves the use of unnecessarily elaborate or verbose language.
Synonyms
- periphrasis
- verbosity
- evasion
- indirection
