Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [sur-kuh m-loh-kyoo-shuh n]
- /ˌsɜr kəm loʊˈkyu ʃən/
- /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [sur-kuh m-loh-kyoo-shuh n]
- /ˌsɜr kəm loʊˈkyu ʃən/
Definitions of circumlocution word
- variable noun circumlocution A circumlocution is a way of saying or writing something using more words than are necessary instead of being clear and direct. 3
- noun circumlocution an indirect way of expressing something 3
- noun circumlocution an indirect expression 3
- noun circumlocution a roundabout, indirect, or lengthy way of expressing something; periphrasis 3
- noun circumlocution an instance of this 3
- noun circumlocution a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of circumlocution
First appearance:
before 1375 One of the 22% oldest English words
1375-1425; late Middle English < Latin circumlocūtiōn- (stem of circumlocūtiō). See circum-, locution
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Circumlocution
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
circumlocution popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 48% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
circumlocution usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for circumlocution
noun circumlocution
- diffuseness — to pour out and spread, as a fluid.
- wordiness — characterized by or given to the use of many, or too many, words; verbose: She grew impatient at his wordy reply.
- roundabout — circuitous or indirect, as a road, journey, method, statement or person.
- prolixity — extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy.
- pleonasm — the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy.
Antonyms for circumlocution
noun circumlocution
- conciseness — the quality of being concise.
- directness — to manage or guide by advice, helpful information, instruction, etc.: He directed the company through a difficult time.
- straightforwardness — going or directed straight ahead: a straightforward gaze.
- terseness — neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language.
Top questions with circumlocution
- what does circumlocution mean?
- what is circumlocution?
- what is the definition of circumlocution?
- how to use circumlocution in a sentence?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with c
- Words starting with ci
- Words starting with cir
- Words starting with circ
- Words starting with circu
- Words starting with circum
- Words starting with circuml
- Words starting with circumlo
- Words starting with circumloc
- Words starting with circumlocu
- Words starting with circumlocut
- Words starting with circumlocuti
- Words starting with circumlocutio
- Words starting with circumlocution