euphemism

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismos) < εὐφημίζω (euphēmizō) < εὔφημος (euphēmos)

[edit] Pronunciation

  • enPR: yoo͞'fə-mĭz"(ə)m, IPA: /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪ.z(ə)m/, SAMPA: /"ju:f@%mIz(@)m/

[edit] Noun

Singular
euphemism

Plural
countable and uncountable; plural euphemisms

euphemism (countable and uncountable; plural euphemisms)

  1. (uncountable) The use of a word or phrase to replace another with one that is considered less offensive or less vulgar than the word or phrase it replaces.
  2. (countable) (rhetoric) A word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way.

[edit] Antonyms

[edit] Related terms

[edit] Translations

use of a word or phrase to replace another word with one considered less offensive
word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way
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[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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