circumlocutionary

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations

[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/
•  Audio (US)^{help, 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