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

On Monday, Mitt Romney stumbled into another ugly-yet-true circumlocution.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Kedge, without any circumlocution, asked whether he remembered any clerk of the name of Gordon having been in the house.

From Project Gutenberg

I took him outside the camp and without any circumlocution related the facts concerning his sister and Kirst.

From Project Gutenberg

He always disdained circumlocution, prided himself upon the directness and simplicity of his address.

From Project Gutenberg

The Polish composer Sowinski declared without circumlocution that Chopin "wrote admirably for the orchestra."

From Project Gutenberg

I have little time and no taste for circumlocution; I cannot conceal from myself that I am no favorite with your sister.

From Project Gutenberg