Circumlocution

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌsɜrkəmˈloʊˌkjuʃən/

Definitions of circumlocution

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

Example Sentences

A1 I don't like when people use circumlocution instead of just saying what they mean.

A2 The speaker's circumlocution made it difficult to understand the main point of the presentation.

B1 The politician's use of circumlocution in his speech was seen as an attempt to avoid answering the question directly.

B2 The author's clever circumlocution added depth and complexity to the novel.

C1 The lawyer's skillful circumlocution in the courtroom helped sway the jury in his client's favor.

C2 The professor's lecture was filled with intricate circumlocution that left the students both intrigued and confused.

Examples of circumlocution in a Sentence

formal The speaker's constant use of circumlocution made it difficult for the audience to follow his main point.

informal Stop with the circumlocution and just get to the point already!

slang Quit beating around the bush and just say what you mean instead of using circumlocution.

figurative Her circumlocution was like a maze, leading me in circles without ever reaching a clear conclusion.

Grammatical Forms of circumlocution

past tense

circumlocuted

plural

circumlocutions

comparative

more circumlocutory

superlative

most circumlocutory

present tense

circumlocutes

future tense

will circumlocute

perfect tense

have circumlocuted

continuous tense

is circumlocuting

singular

circumlocution

positive degree

circumlocution

infinitive

to circumlocute

gerund

circumlocuting

participle

circumlocuting

Origin and Evolution of circumlocution

First Known Use: 1533 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'circumlocution' originated from the Latin word 'circumlocutio', which is a combination of 'circum' meaning around and 'loqui' meaning to speak.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the act of speaking in a roundabout or indirect way, 'circumlocution' has evolved to also encompass the use of excessive or unnecessary words to express an idea.