circumlocution

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.4 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

• Latin circumlocutio, literally a speaking (locutio) around (circum). Probably a calque of Ancient Greek περίφρασις (periphrasis, periphrasis).

[edit] Pronunciation

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion /ˌsɜrkəmloʊˈkyuʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sur-kuhm-loh-kyoo-shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun

[edit] 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.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• circumlocutionary
• circumlocutional

[edit] Related terms

• circumlocutory

[edit] See also

• beat around the bush