circuitously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circuitously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a route or method that is indirect or not straightforward. Example: "He explained the problem circuitously, making it difficult for anyone to understand his point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And mail is no longer exchanged circuitously, usually via Hong Kong.For many of the hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese businesspeople and their relatives living and working in China, these services will be a boon.

The Economist

"We need laws that specify and limit the conditions for bail-outs" and do so transparently with taxpayers' money, "rather than circuitously through the central bank, as was done during the blow-up of Bear Stearns," he writes in "The Age of Turbulence".

The Economist

On crossing that river in an attempt to cut Japanese communications with the Salween River front to the east, they found the terrain unfavourable and were forced to return circuitously to India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its website proudly lists 13 Group One winners round the world this year, a very respectable haul that testifies to wholesome renewal in the Sheikh's bloodstock empire – both through his own young stallions, and the Coolmore genes circuitously obtained (having been pointedly rejected at public auction) through such purchases in training as Dawn Approach himself.

Independent

While returning circuitously to France, he was captured in Hamburg (November 1798), turned over to the British (September 1799), and, at a trial in Ireland, was sentenced to death (April 1800).

Encyclopedia Britannica

" 'You can't bring that much money to Lagos.' " Hesitantly, circuitously, Taylor arrived at his offer — a bank-to-bank transfer to my account.

The New Yorker

I raised it at length, circuitously, with emotion.

The New Yorker

The narrative is a collection of anecdotes, relayed circuitously, with unmarked shifts in perspective and sentences that last for pages.

The New Yorker

Rather than dramatizing "The Great Gatsby," "Gatz" dramatizes the experience of reading "The Great Gatsby," and in so doing it delivers the book — curiously and circuitously — back to its author.

The New Yorker

It turns out that a money trail runs — albeit rather circuitously — from the lucrative business of rebuilding Iraq to the fortune behind Osama bin Laden.

The New Yorker

He omits the element of attraction, the human conflation of mystery and longing that leads circuitously toward the divine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circuitously" to describe paths, arguments, or explanations that are indirect and somewhat lengthy. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "circuitously" when you mean "circularly". "Circuitously" implies an indirect route, while "circularly" suggests a repetitive argument that doesn't lead to a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circuitously" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating an indirect or roundabout approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circuitously" is a versatile adverb that enriches writing by specifying an indirect or roundabout manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its applicability across diverse subjects. When using "circuitously", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of indirectness and avoids confusion with similar words like "circularly". Consider alternatives like "indirectly" or "in a roundabout way" to fine-tune your expression. Remembering these points will help you employ "circuitously" effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indirectly

Implies a less direct route or method, similar to "circuitously" but without necessarily suggesting a complex or winding path.

by a roundabout method

Similar to "in a roundabout way", but emphasizes the systematic nature of the indirection.

in a roundabout way

Highlights the indirect nature of an action or statement, often suggesting a deliberate avoidance of a direct approach.

obliquely

Suggests an indirect or evasive manner, especially in speech or writing, often used to avoid a direct confrontation.

by a winding route

Focuses on the physical aspect of an indirect path, emphasizing its curves and turns.

by a tortuous path

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of the indirect route, implying a more arduous journey.

in a devious manner

Suggests a more cunning or deceitful approach, adding a negative connotation absent in "circuitously".

in a meandering fashion

Highlights the wandering and aimless quality of the approach, suggesting a lack of clear direction.

tangentially

Indicates a connection that is not directly related but touches upon the main subject, implying a slight deviation.

peripherally

Describes something that is on the edge or not central, suggesting a weaker connection than "circuitously".

FAQs

How can I use "circuitously" in a sentence?

"Circuitously" is an adverb used to describe something done in an indirect or roundabout manner. For example, "He explained the problem "circuitously", making it hard to understand".

What are some alternatives to the word "circuitously"?

Alternatives include "indirectly", "in a roundabout way", or "obliquely". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "circuitously" and "indirectly"?

While both imply a lack of directness, "circuitously" suggests a more complex and potentially lengthy route or method than "indirectly". "Circuitously" often implies a winding or convoluted path.

Is it correct to use "circuitously" to describe a person's behavior?

Yes, "circuitously" can describe someone's behavior or speech if they are being indirect or evasive. For example, "She approached the topic "circuitously", avoiding the main issue".