Circumlocution Definition
A roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
- periphrasis
- ambage
- indirect expression
- winding
- verbiage
- verbality
- roundabout
- periphrase
- euphemism
- wordiness
- rambling
- redundancy
- verbal evasion
Other Word Forms of Circumlocution
Noun
Origin of Circumlocution
-
From Latin circumlocūtiō (“the act of speaking around; circumlocution, periphrasis”). Surface analysis circum- (“around”) + locution (“talk”); see these for related terms. Probably a calque of Ancient Greek περίφρασις (periphrasis, “periphrasis”).
From Wiktionary
-
Middle English circumlocucioun from Latin circumlocūtiō circumlocūtiōn- from circumlocūtus past participle of circumloquī circum- circum- loquī to speak tolkw- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Related Articles
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to circumlocution using the buttons below.