euphemism — A mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh or direct
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh or direct
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- My boss said I was 'between jobs' - what a nice euphemism for unemployed!
- Politicians love euphemisms like 'revenue enhancement' instead of 'tax increase'
- She said her cooking was 'rustic' - a euphemism for burnt!
euphemism
NOUN[/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/]
A mild or indirect term substituted for one considered too harsh or direct
He used a gentle euphemism to say his grandfather had 'passed away'.
The euphemism mechanism triggers sharp criticism!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek euphemismos, meaning 'to speak with good words.' Ancient Greeks used this term for the practice of substituting pleasant or indirect expressions for harsh or direct ones.
Breakdown
eu- (good/well) + phem- (speak) + -ism (practice or condition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss said I was 'between jobs' - what a nice euphemism for unemployed!”
“Politicians love euphemisms like 'revenue enhancement' instead of 'tax increase'”
“She said her cooking was 'rustic' - a euphemism for burnt!”
“The company announced 'rightsizing' as a euphemism for layoffs”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.