ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›E›euphemism
ISEE/SSAThard
euphemism
a mild or indirect word used in place of a harsh or blunt one
Synonyms
- genteelism
euphemism in a sentence
Saying someone 'passed away' is a common euphemism for saying they died.
When the coach called the losing season 'a rebuilding year,' everyone knew it was really just a gentle euphemism for failure.
Where it comes from
From Greek eu- 'good' + phemi 'speak'
Memory hook
EU (good) + PHEM (speak) — speaking about something unpleasant in a softer way.
Word parts
- eu — good, positive
euphemism: eu- (good) + phem (speaking)
Read it in context
- Where the River Moved History