CIRCUMLOCUTION - "The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language"

By MsW

"Circumlocution" is a noun that refers to the use of unnecessarily long or indirect words or expressions to express an idea, often in an attempt to be evasive or to avoid being clear and direct.

Etymology: The word "circumlocution" has Latin origins. It is derived from the combination of "circum" (meaning "around") and "loqui" (meaning "to speak").

Sample Sentences:

  1. The politician's speech was filled with circumlocution, making it challenging for the audience to grasp his true stance on the issue.

  2. Instead of providing a straightforward answer, he resorted to circumlocution, leaving everyone confused about his intentions.

  3. The writer's penchant for circumlocution made the article lengthy and difficult to follow.

  4. In diplomatic circles, circumlocution is often employed to navigate sensitive topics without causing offense.

  5. The student was marked down for the excessive circumlocution in his essay, as it obscured the main points he was trying to convey.

Synonyms: indirectness, evasion, periphrasis, verbose expression

Antonyms: clarity, directness, candor


Quotes:


Dickens gave us the classic picture of official heartlessness: the government Circumlocution Office, burial ground of hope in "Little Dorrit."

-- "Balance of Hardships", New York Times, September 28, 1999


In a delightful circumlocution, the Fed chairman said that "investors are probably revisiting expectations of domestic earnings growth".

-- "US exuberance is proven 'irrational'", Irish Times, October 31, 1997


Courtesies and circumlocutions are out of place, where the morals, health, lives of thousands are at stake.

-- Charles Kingsley, Letters


Prefer the single word to the circumlocution.

-- H.W. Fowler, The King's English


Word of the Day at Dictionary.com

Monday, August 01, 2005

circumlocution

\sir-kuhm-loh-KYOO-shuhn\ , noun:


1.The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language.

Origin:

Circumlocution comes from Latin circumlocutio, circumlocution-, from circum, "around" + loquor, loqui, "to speak."














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