Euphemism Definition

yo͝ofə-mĭzəm
euphemisms
noun
euphemisms
A mild, indirect, or vague term for one that is considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
American Heritage
The use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another.
Webster's New World
A word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)
Webster's New World
The use of such terms.
American Heritage
The definition of a euphemism is a polite, vague word or phrase that is used in place of word or phrase that might be considered offensive, harsh, unpleasant or inappropriate to say.
An example of a euphemism is someone saying "passed away" instead of "died."
YourDictionary
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Other Word Forms of Euphemism

Noun

Singular:
euphemism
Plural:
euphemisms

Origin of Euphemism

  • Recorded since 1656; from Ancient Greek εὐφημισμός (euphēmismos), from εὐφημίζω (euphēmizō), from εὔφημος (euphēmos, “uttering sound of good omen, abstaining from inauspicious words”), from εὖ (eu, “well”) + φήμη (phēmē, “a voice, a prophetic voice, rumor, talk”), from φάναι (phanai, “to speak, say”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Greek euphēmismos from euphēmizein to use auspicious words from euphēmiā use of auspicious words eu- eu- phēmē speech bhā-2 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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