ambages
/æm'beidʤi:z/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun (plural):
- Roundabout or indirect ways of speaking or acting; circumlocution; ambiguity: The word "ambages" refers to the use of deliberately indirect, evasive, or mysterious language or methods. It implies a circuitous approach that avoids directness or clarity.
Usage
- "Ambages" is an archaic term, meaning it is rarely used in modern English. It is primarily found in historical, literary, or highly formal academic contexts. It functions as a plural noun (e.g., "these ambages") and is not typically used in the singular form.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "To speak in ambages": To communicate in a roundabout, non-direct manner.
- The politician, skilled in ambages, never gave a straight answer to the difficult question.
Variants and Related Words
- Ambage (noun, singular, rare): A single instance of circumlocution or indirectness. (Note: This singular form is extremely rare; "ambages" is the standard form.)
- Circumlocution (noun): The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive. (A modern synonym.)
- Periphrasis (noun): The use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing.
Synonyms
- Circumlocution: Roundabout speech.
- Indirection: Lack of straightforwardness; deceitful or evasive procedure.
- Obliquity: Deviation from moral rectitude or sound thinking; also, indirectness in speech or conduct.
- Tergiversation: Evasion of straightforward action or clear statement.
Antonyms
- Directness: The quality of being straightforward and clear.
- Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
- Plain speaking: Communication that is clear and unambiguous.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To beat around the bush": To avoid talking about what is important; to speak in ambages. (This is the common modern idiom for the concept.)
- Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
Noun
- (archaic) roundabout or mysterious ways of action