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Circumlocution: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Circumlocution noun. Using many words, or roundabout phrasing, where a few direct ones would do.
How to say it
sur-kum-luh-KYOO-shun/ˌsəːkəmləˈkjuːʃ(ə)n/
5 syllables, stressed on the fourth (KYOO).
Circumlocution in a sentence
'Not in a position to confirm' was the spokesman's circumlocution for no.
After ten minutes of circumlocution, he finally admitted he'd lost the keys.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- periphrasis
- wordiness
- evasion
- beating about the bush
Opposite:
- directness
- conciseness
Where circumlocution comes from
From Latin circumlocutio, from circum, around, and loqui, to speak.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
After ten minutes of _____, he finally admitted he'd lost the keys.
- circumlocution
- vernacular
- logomachy
Show the answer
circumlocution: After ten minutes of circumlocution, he finally admitted he'd lost the keys.