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circumlocutionthe use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃən/

Example Sentences

  • The politician's circumlocution made the 5-minute interview feel like a 50-minute lecture on nothing.
  • When asked if he broke the vase, his circumlocution involved a 10-minute story about butterflies and weather patterns.
  • The CEO's circumlocution during the press conference left reporters more confused than before.

circumlocution

NOUN

[/ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃən/]

the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

a nervous businessman stands at a whiteboard drawing endless circles and arrows while gesturing wildly with his hands. He points to multiple complicated diagrams and flowcharts that make a simple concept look extremely complex. His colleagues sit around the table looking increasingly confused and frustrated as they check their watches. One person rubs their forehead while another yawns and taps their pen impatiently. The presenter continues adding more unnecessary details and connections to his already overcomplicated explanation.  the use of many words and elaborate explanations where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive
💡 Concept

a nervous businessman stands at a whiteboard drawing endless circles and arrows while gesturing wildly with his hands. He points to multiple complicated diagrams and flowcharts that make a simple concept look extremely complex. His colleagues sit around the table looking increasingly confused and frustrated as they check their watches. One person rubs their forehead while another yawns and taps their pen impatiently. The presenter continues adding more unnecessary details and connections to his already overcomplicated explanation. the use of many words and elaborate explanations where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

Circle-talk-u-shun: politician talks in circles, avoiding the real question!
🧠 Mnemonic

Circle-talk-u-shun: politician talks in circles, avoiding the real question!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcircum--
Rootlocut-
Suffix--ion

Origin

From Latin circumlocutio, meaning 'to speak around.' The word literally describes speaking in a roundabout way, avoiding direct expression.

Breakdown

circum- (around/about) + locut- (to speak) + -ion (noun suffix meaning 'act of')

🎵Rhyme

executionprosecutiondistribution
execution
prosecution
distribution

🔗Collocations

avoid circumlocution
unnecessary circumlocution
political circumlocution
verbose circumlocution
circumlocution and evasion
engage in circumlocution
deliberate circumlocution

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The politician's circumlocution made the 5-minute interview feel like a 50-minute lecture on nothing.

😄 Fun example

When asked if he broke the vase, his circumlocution involved a 10-minute story about butterflies and weather patterns.

The CEO's circumlocution during the press conference left reporters more confused than before.

Legal documents are notorious for their circumlocution, turning simple ideas into complex mazes of words.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

periphrasisverbositywordinessprolixityeuphemism

Antonyms

brevityconcisenessdirectness

Related

evasionambiguityrhetoricverbalizearticulation

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