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noun
1.
the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
2.
the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
Origin:
1650–60; < Greek euphēmismós the use of words of good omen, equivalent to eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) speaking, fame + -ismos -ism
1650–60; < Greek euphēmismós the use of words of good omen, equivalent to eu- eu- + phḗm(ē) speaking, fame + -ismos -ism
Related forms
eu·phe·mist, noun
eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, eu·phe·mi·ous·ly, adverb
un·eu·phe·mis·tic, adjective
un·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal, adjective
EXPANDun·eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly, adverb
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To euphemisms
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Euphemisms
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
Example Sentences
- He likes salty memorable phrases, rather than euphemisms and evasions.
- It's remarkable how euphemisms are used in this magazine.
- The skin-care trade has always trafficked in happy talk, revealing truth through rose-colored euphemisms.
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