circuitous

USAGE SUMMARY

'circuitous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe a route, plan, or action involving unnecessary detours or delays. For example, "The salesman was criticized for taking the circuitous route to the customer's house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an odyssey in the originalsense of the word – protracted, circuitous, not necessarily bound to end.

The Guardian

This is one has been organised by dissident republicans and will take a long, circuitous route from the nationalist Ardoyne district in the north of the city, into the city centre (a possible new flashpoint-clash zone with loyalists) and then up onto the Falls Road in the west.

The Guardian

Some are circuitous, others take bafflingly convoluted detours.

The Guardian

Mr Lawson said Barot and his seven alleged co-conspirators were well-versed in anti-surveillance techniques, going to great lengths to avoid being followed or bugged, taking circuitous routes to meetings, avoiding the use of phones and sending each other coded emails in the style of teenagers discussing music, television and sex which the security services have still not cracked.

The Guardian

If you're doing the circuitous cycle trip, you'll be nearly finished when you reach Kadeau, so you'll deserve it.

The Guardian - Travel

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] hopeful continentSIR – Thank you for the astute commentary on an African journey that remains every bit as circuitous as your correspondent's epic bus ride (Special report on Africa, March 2nd).

The Economist

Buildings with unrepaired roofs, abandoned water wells and well-trodden new paths that appear circuitous also provide telltale signs.An alternative system using photographs taken by aircraft is used by the Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC), a government agency in Sisak, a town southwest of Zagreb.

The Economist

Just four months later, in April 1990, Banco Central took a reciprocal shareholding in Bouygues SA but in an oddly circuitous way.

The Economist

But at present it must ship its supplies on a circuitous course from the Arabian Sea, around India's southern tip, then through the Malacca strait in South-East Asia to the South China Sea.

The Economist

Aglets are intended to go on circuitous searches around the Net like a child on an Easter-egg hunt.

The Economist

The flows paid for a large part of the investment undertaken in the capital-importing countries.Special report A cruel sea of capital Catching the tide Hot and cold running money The trouble with banks Sudden storms Safety first Shipbuilding A slightly circuitous route Sources ReprintsThis golden age of financial globalisation ended in 1914.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circuitous" when you want to emphasize not just indirectness, but a route or method that is unnecessarily long or complicated.

Common error

Don't use "circuitous" when "indirect" or "roundabout" would be clearer and more concise. The word should be reserved for situations where the roundabout nature is a key characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circuitous" is as an adjective. Ludwig AI data shows it modifies nouns, describing routes, methods, or arguments that are indirect or roundabout. As Ludwig explains, it indicates something longer or more complicated than necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circuitous" is an adjective used to describe something indirect, roundabout, and often unnecessarily long or complicated. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it correctly describes a route, plan, or action involving unnecessary detours or delays. It's frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, making it appropriate for diverse contexts. While synonyms like "roundabout" and "indirect" exist, "circuitous" emphasizes the unnecessary complexity of the path. Remember to reserve it for situations where the roundabout nature is a key characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roundabout

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the indirect route.

indirect

This is another direct synonym, focusing on the lack of a straight path.

winding

This emphasizes the curving nature of a path or explanation.

meandering

This emphasizes the winding and turning nature of the route.

twisting

This highlights the complex and turning nature of the route.

devious

This suggests a more cunning or strategic form of indirectness.

tortuous

Implies a complex, difficult, and often morally questionable indirectness.

periphrastic

Refers to using many words where fewer would do, especially in speech or writing.

evasive

Indicates an attempt to avoid directly answering a question or dealing with something.

ambiguous

Suggests uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language.

FAQs

How can I use "circuitous" in a sentence?

"Circuitous" is used to describe a route, path, or method that is indirect and often longer than necessary. For example, "The salesman was criticized for taking the circuitous route to the customer's house".

What are some synonyms for "circuitous"?

Some synonyms for "circuitous" include "roundabout", "indirect", and "winding". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "circuitous" and "indirect"?

While both words describe something not being direct, "circuitous" implies a longer, more complicated route or method than necessary, whereas "indirect" simply means not straight or immediate.

Is it better to take a direct or a "circuitous" route?

Generally, a direct route is preferable for efficiency. A "circuitous" route might be chosen for scenic reasons, to avoid obstacles, or sometimes due to deception. It is rarely the most efficient option.