circumlocution

Etymology

From Latin circumlocūtiō (“the act of speaking around; circumlocution, periphrasis”). Surface analysis circum- (“around”) +‎ locution (“talk”); see these for related terms. Probably a calque of Ancient Greek περίφρασις (períphrasis, “periphrasis”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌsɜː(ɹ)kəmləˈkjuːʃən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌsɝɹkəmˌləˈkjuʃən/
• Rhymes: -uːʃən
• Hyphenation: cir‧cum‧lo‧cu‧tion

Noun

circumlocution (plural circumlocutions)

1. A roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
2. A roundabout expression.

See also

• beat around the bush
• euphemism