circumlocutionary

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Contents

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

circumlocution and -ary. Originally from Latin circumlocutio, literally speaking (locutio) in a circle (circum).

[edit] Pronunciation

  • (RP) IPA: /ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃənəri/
  • (US) IPA: /ˌsɝːkəmləˈkjuːʃənɛri/
  • (file)

[edit] Adjective

circumlocutionary (comparative more circumlocutionary, superlative most circumlocutionary)

  1. Articulated in a roundabout manner; tautological or with repetitive language.
    The old man's rambling yarn was circumlocutionary.
  2. (of speech) Evasive, avoiding difficult questions or key points.
    The politician was being circumlocutionary; he refused to answer any of the journalist's questions.

[edit] Translations

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