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Word of the day

circumlocution

[ sur-kuhm-loh-kyoo-shuhn ] [ ˌsɜr kəm loʊˈkyu ʃən ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a roundabout or indirect way of speaking.

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Why Dictionary.com chose circumlocution

More about circumlocution

  • Circumlocution was first recorded in English in 1375-1425.
  • Circumlocution comes from the Latin word circumlocūtiō, “the act of speaking around; periphrasis.”
  • Circum– is a prefix with the meaning “round about, around,” found in many Latin loanwords, like circumnavigate or circumstance.
  • Locution comes from the Latin word locūtiō, meaning “speech, style of speech,” also present in interlocutor and eloquent.

EXAMPLES OF CIRCUMLOCUTION

  • Instead of answering the simple question with a yes or no, he resorted to circumlocution, confusing everyone in the room.
  • She was known for her tendency to use circumlocution, often taking a meandering path to reach her point in the conversation.
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Word of the day

sartorial

[ sahr-tohr-ee-uhl ] [ sɑrˈtoʊr i əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

of or relating to clothing or style or manner of dress.

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Why Dictionary.com chose sartorial

More about sartorial

  • Sartorial was first recorded in 1815-25.
  • Sartorial comes from the Late Latin word sartor, meaning “tailor,” from the verb sarcire, “to patch or mend.”
  • Sartorial also can refer to the sartorius, which comes from the New Latin term sartorius musculus, literally “tailor’s muscle,” because it is the muscle that allows one to sit in the cross-legged position in which tailors traditionally sat while sewing.

EXAMPLES OF SARTORIAL

  • Her sartorial choices were always impeccable, as she effortlessly combined different fabrics and colors to create stunning outfits.
  • As a stylist, he was known for his ability to transform clients’ wardrobes, enhancing their sartorial confidence and helping them express their personal style.
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Word of the day

grandiloquent

[ gran-dil-uh-kwuhnt ] [ grænˈdɪl ə kwənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

speaking or expressed in a lofty style, often to the point of being pompous.

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Why Dictionary.com chose grandiloquent

More about grandiloquent

  • Grandiloquent was formed from the noun grandiloquence, which came from the Latin word grandiloqu(us), “speaking loftily.”
  • The first part, grandi(s), means “great; large.”
  • The second part, loqui, means “to speak,” which you might recognize in loquacious, “talkative,” and in monologue, “prolonged talk by a single speaker.”
  • Grandiloquent was first recorded in English around 1585-95.

EXAMPLES OF GRANDILOQUENT

  • His grandiloquent speeches may impress some, but they simply bore me.
  • The politician’s grandiloquent promises were unconvincing to the skeptical audience.
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