Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not direct or straightforward; taking a longer route or path: Describes a path, journey, or route that is longer than the most direct way because it goes around something or follows a winding course.
   • Not said or done in a simple, clear, and direct way: Describes speech, writing, or an explanation that is indirect, complicated, or deliberately avoids stating something plainly.

Examples of Usage

• Describing a route or journey:
  • The road to the mountain village was circuitous and full of sharp turns.
  • We took a circuitous path through the woods to avoid the main trail.
• Describing speech or communication:
  • His circuitous explanation left everyone more confused.
  • She gave a circuitous answer to avoid admitting her mistake.

Advanced Usage

• "A circuitous argument": An argument that is not logically direct, often involving unnecessary steps or digressions.
  • The lawyer's circuitous argument tried to obscure the simple facts of the case.
• "To arrive at something by a circuitous route": To achieve a result or understanding after a long, indirect process.
  • He came to this career by a circuitous route, having tried many other jobs first.

Variants and Related Words

• Circuitously (adverb): In a circuitous manner.
  • He spoke circuitously, never getting to the main point.
• Circuitousness (noun): The quality of being circuitous.
  • The circuitousness of the old city's streets makes it easy to get lost.

Synonyms

• Indirect: Not going straight to the point.
• Roundabout: Not following a direct route or not expressed simply.
• Meandering: Following a winding course; rambling.
• Tortuous: Full of twists and turns; excessively lengthy and complex.

Antonyms

• Direct: Straight; without intervening factors or intermediaries.
• Straightforward: Uncomplicated and easy to understand.
• Linear: Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A circuitous route to success": A long, indirect, or unconventional path to achieving a goal.
  • Her circuitous route to success included years of travel and odd jobs before she became a writer.
• "To be circuitous in one's reasoning": To use overly complex or evasive logic.
  • The philosopher was often circuitous in his reasoning, which made his work difficult for students.

Adjective

1. deviating from a straight course
   • a scenic but devious route
   • a long and circuitous journey by train and boat
   • a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic
2. marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct
   • the explanation was circuitous and puzzling
   • a roundabout paragraph
   • hear in a roundabout way that her ex-husband was marrying her best friend