1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin circumlocūtiōn- (stem of circumlocūtiō). See circum-, locution
Related forms
[sur-kuh
m-lok-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , cir·cum·lo·cu·tion·al, cir·cum·lo·cu·tion·ar·y, adjective 1. rambling, meandering, verbosity, prolixity.
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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| very caustic or scathing; a hostile approach |
| The state of being corrupted, abused, or evil |
circumlocution (ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃən) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | an indirect way of expressing something |
| 2. | an indirect expression |
| circumlocutory | |
| —adj | |
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circumlocution
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Roundabout speech or writing: “The driveway was not unlike that military training device known as an obstacle course” is a circumlocution for “The driveway resembled an obstacle course.” Circumlocution comes from Latin words meaning “speaking around.”
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circumlocution
the use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form of expression; a roundabout or indirect manner of writing or speaking. In literature periphrasis is sometimes used for comic effect, as illustrated by Charles Dickens in the speech of the character Wilkins Micawber, who appears in David Copperfield:"Under the impression," said Mr. Micawber, "that your peregrinations in this metropolis have not as yet been extensive, and that you might have some difficulty in penetrating the arcana of the Modern Babylon in the direction of the City Road-in short," said Mr. Micawber, in another burst of confidence, "that you might lose yourself-I shall be happy to call this evening, and instal you in the knowledge of the nearest way."
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