circumlocution

The definition of circumlocution means the use of unneeded words.

(noun)

An example of circumlocution is the use of the phrase "pass on" instead of "dies."

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See circumlocution in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a roundabout, indirect, or lengthy way of expressing something; periphrasis
  2. an instance of this

Origin: ME circumlocucioun < L circumlocutio: see circum- & locution

Related Forms:

See circumlocution in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language.
  2. Evasion in speech or writing.
  3. A roundabout expression.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English circumlocucioun

Origin: , from Latin circumlocūtiō, circumlocūtiōn-

Origin: , from circumlocūtus

Origin: , past participle of circumloquī

Origin: : circum-, circum-

Origin: + loquī, to speak; see tolkw- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • cirˌcum·locˌu·toˈri·ly (-lŏkˌyə-tôrˈə-lē, -tōrˈ-) adverb
  • cirˌcum·locˈu·toˌry (-tôrˌē, -tōrˌē) adjective

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