circumlocution

/,sə:kəmlə'kju:ʃn/
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circumlocution

The professor used circumlocution to avoid giving a direct answer.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An indirect way of expressing something: The use of many words to say something that could be said more clearly and directly, often to avoid speaking plainly or to be evasive.
    • A style that involves indirect ways of expressing things: A roundabout or lengthy way of speaking or writing.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The politician's answer was a masterpiece of circumlocution, avoiding a direct response to the question.
    • "The individual who resides in the domicile constructed of vitreous silicate" is a circumlocution for "the person who lives in the glass house."
    • Legal documents are often filled with circumlocution, making them difficult for laypeople to understand.
Advanced Usage
  • As a rhetorical device: In literature and speech, circumlocution can be used deliberately for effect, such as to create humor, emphasize a point, or adhere to a formal or poetic style.
    • The poet used elegant circumlocution to describe the sunrise without ever naming it directly.
  • In diplomacy or sensitive contexts: Circumlocution is often employed to discuss delicate topics without causing offense.
    • The diplomat's statement was a careful circumlocution to acknowledge the problem without assigning blame.
Variants and Related Words
  • Circumlocutory (adj): Characterized by circumlocution; roundabout.
    • His circumlocutory explanation confused everyone.
  • Periphrasis (n): A synonym for circumlocution, often used in linguistic or rhetorical contexts to mean the use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form.
    • "The king of beasts" is a periphrasis for "lion."
Synonyms
  • Periphrasis: The use of a longer expression instead of a shorter one.
  • Indirectness: The quality of not being straightforward.
  • Verbosity: The use of more words than needed.
  • Tautology: Needless repetition of an idea in different words (can overlap with circumlocution in creating wordiness).
Antonyms
  • Directness: The quality of being straightforward.
  • Conciseness: The quality of being brief and to the point.
  • Brevity: Shortness of duration or expression.
  • Plain speaking: Speaking in a clear, unambiguous manner.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • To beat around the bush: An idiom meaning to avoid addressing a topic directly, similar to using circumlocution.
    • Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
  • A roundabout way of saying: A phrase describing circumlocution.
    • That's just a roundabout way of saying you made a mistake.
circumlocution

The professor used circumlocution to avoid giving a direct answer.

Noun
  1. an indirect way of expressing something
  2. a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things

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