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Webster 1913 Edition

Circumlocution

Cirˊcum-lo-cu′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
circumlocutio
, fr.
circumloqui
,
-locutus
, to make use of circumlocution;
circum
+
loqui
to speak. See
Loquacious
.]
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.
the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by
circumlocution
.
Swift.
Circumlocution office
,
a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.

Webster 1828 Edition

Circumlocution

CIRCUMLOCUTION

,
Noun.
A circuit or compass of words; a periphrase; the use of a number of words to express an idea, when a suitable term is not at hand, or when a speaker chooses to avoid the use of a single term, either from delicacy or respect, or with a view to soften the force of a direct expression, or for other reason.

Definition 2024

circumlocution

circumlocution

English

Noun

circumlocution ‎(plural circumlocutions)

  1. A roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
  2. A roundabout expression.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

See also

Etymology

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 ‎(períphrasis, “periphrasis”).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˌsɜː(ɹ)kəmləˈkjuːʃən/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌsɝrkəmˌləˈkjuʃən/
  • Rhymes: -uːʃən
  • Hyphenation: cir‧cum‧lo‧cu‧tion

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