mealy-mouthed

/'mi:limauðd/

Thân thiện

The politician gave a mealy-mouthed answer to the direct question.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unwilling to speak plainly or directly; using evasive, indirect, or euphemistic language: Describes a person or their speech that avoids stating something unpleasant, critical, or honest in a clear, straightforward manner, often due to insincerity, fear, or a desire to avoid offense.

Usage

The adjective "mealy-mouthed" is used to criticize someone's communication as being dishonestly indirect, overly cautious, or insincerely flattering. It implies a lack of courage or integrity in speech. It is typically used in a disapproving or contemptuous tone.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company's mealy-mouthed apology failed to address the core issue.
  • We need direct answers, not more mealy-mouthed excuses from our leaders.
  • She was tired of his mealy-mouthed compliments that never led to any real support.

Advanced Usage

• "to be mealy-mouthed about something": to speak evasively concerning a specific topic.
  • The official was mealy-mouthed about the budget cuts, refusing to name which programs would be affected.

Variants and Related Words

• Mealy-mouthedness (n, rare): The quality of being mealy-mouthed.
  • The document was criticized for its mealy-mouthedness.

Synonyms

• Evasive: Tending to avoid commitment or direct answers.
• Equivocal: Using ambiguous language to conceal the truth.
• Euphemistic: Using mild or indirect words in place of harsh or blunt ones.
• Indirect: Not straightforward or to the point.
• Tactful (can be a less negative synonym in some contexts): Having or showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others.

Antonyms

• Forthright: Direct and outspoken.
• Blunt: Uncompromisingly straightforward.
• Candid: Truthful and straightforward.
• Plain-spoken: Speaking in a direct, honest manner.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To mince (one's) words: To speak vaguely or indirectly to avoid offense (similar in meaning).
  • He didn't mince his words, unlike his mealy-mouthed colleague.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. hesitant to state facts or opinions simply and directly as from e.g. timidity or hypocrisy
   • a mealymouthed politician

Từ đồng nghĩa

• mealymouthed