ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary BuilderWordsCcircumlocution
ISEE/SSAThard
circumlocution
Meaning: the use of many words to express an idea that could be said more directly
circumlocution in a sentence
How circumlocution is used in real sentences:
The senator's circumlocution left reporters no clearer about whether he supported the bill.
Instead of admitting the shipment was late, the manager buried the news in circumlocution about unforeseen logistics.
“Another hid uncertainty behind circumlocution; six pages of testimony passed before he stated where he normally turned north.”
— from the passage The Eastern Turn
Synonyms for circumlocution
Other words for circumlocution — wordiness and periphrasis — carry the same meaning.
- wordiness
- periphrasis
Antonyms of circumlocution
Words that mean the opposite of circumlocution:
- directness
- conciseness
- bluntness
Where it comes from
From Latin circum 'around' and loqui 'to speak'
Word parts
- circum — around
circumlocution: circum- (around) + loc (speak) - loq/loc (speak) — speech
circumlocution: circum- (around) + loc (speak) + -tion
Memory hook
CIRCUM (around) + LOCUTION (speaking) — talking around the point instead of to it.
Practice circumlocution in the app