circumlocution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumlocution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the use of unnecessarily wordy or indirect language to express an idea, often to avoid being straightforward. Example: "His explanation was filled with circumlocution, making it difficult to understand his main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were varying degrees of circumlocution in accounts of sex acts.

The Guardian

He smelled fear in the dark, rotting jungle mud where he had fought as a soldier in the Philippines, in the blood, shit and slobber of the Chicago stockyards, but also at Washington parties, among his own stupid bouts of tongue-tiedness and circumlocution, as "the hard gemlike flame of bourbon" burned through him.

The Economist

Even without government circumlocution, enough was fuzzy about the deal to have investors worried.

The Economist

Strong words, for a country where circumlocution is the norm, and probably very influential ones, given that the monarchy still commands immense reverence.

The Economist

Online sites sell qingqu yongpin, literally "interesting love products".But Chinese circumlocution is often a form of polite opacity.

The Economist

Unable to lend much material weight to America's efforts, fearful of a negative backlash should America actually strike Iran, and unwilling to be seen as acting in Israel's interest, Arab countries appear to have chosen to exploit sectarian feelings to send a shot across Iran's bows.With typical circumlocution, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia recently said as much.

The Economist

"I think you might lean in and do a reality check," she will say, with delicate circumlocution.

The Economist

At the same time, the poet, a careful and skillful craftsman, consciously applies the principles of Latin rhetoric to achieve a clarity and orderly narrative progress that is quite unlike the confusion and circumlocution of the native English style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Newspeak, propagandistic language that is characterized by euphemism, circumlocution, and the inversion of customary meanings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A high degree of circumlocution and some nonverbal vocalization may be required to accomplish this end, but, no matter how alien the concept to the original language, it may be expressed clearly in the language of another culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Periphrasis, also called 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.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision and clarity are paramount, avoid "circumlocution" and opt for direct and concise language.

Common error

Don't use "circumlocution" when you mean euphemism. While both involve indirect language, "circumlocution" refers to unnecessary wordiness, whereas a euphemism replaces an offensive term with a milder one.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circumlocution" is as a noun. It refers to the act of speaking or writing indirectly or using more words than necessary. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a usable english word. Examples show its use in describing speech, writing styles, and bureaucratic processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Circumlocution", as Ludwig AI confirms, is a grammatically correct noun describing indirect or unnecessarily wordy language. It's frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias to critique evasiveness or lack of clarity. While related to euphemisms, it specifically highlights wordiness rather than substituting offensive terms. When writing, be mindful to avoid "circumlocution" when clarity and directness are preferred and opt for alternatives like "verbosity" or "indirectness" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periphrasis

A more technical term for expressing something in a roundabout way.

circuitous language

Highlights the winding and indirect nature of the language.

roundabout language

Focuses on the indirect nature of the language used.

wordiness

Focuses on the use of too many words.

verbosity

Highlights the excessive use of words.

indirectness

Emphasizes the lack of a direct approach.

long-windedness

Suggests speaking or writing at excessive length.

beating around the bush

An idiomatic expression for avoiding the main point.

evasiveness

Implies an intent to avoid a direct answer or statement.

ambiguity

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "circumlocution" in a sentence?

"Circumlocution" can be used to describe speech or writing. For example, "The politician's speech was full of "circumlocution", avoiding any direct answers."

What's a simple way to define "circumlocution"?

"Circumlocution" means speaking or writing in a roundabout or indirect way. It's using more words than necessary to express something, often to be evasive or unclear.

What can I say instead of "circumlocution"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "verbosity", "indirectness", or "periphrasis". Choose the word that best captures the specific type of indirectness you're describing.

Is "circumlocution" always a negative thing?

While often used negatively to describe evasive or unclear language, "circumlocution" isn't always bad. Sometimes, indirectness is used for politeness or diplomacy. However, in most contexts, clarity and directness are preferred.