Definition of circumlocution Circumlocution

cir•cum•lo•cu•tion

We found 7 definitions of circumlocution from 5 different sources.

What does circumlocution mean?

Noun Plural: circumlocutions
circumlocution - a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things
		periphrasis, ambage
		verboseness, verbosity an expressive style that uses excessive or empty words
circumlocution - an indirect way of expressing something
		indirect expression
		equivocation, evasion falsification by means of vague or ambiguous language

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circumlocution (Noun)
A roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
circumlocution (Noun)
A roundabout expression. See also euphemism.

circumlocution (n.)
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.

circumlocution
sėr-kum-lō-kū′shun, n. roundabout speaking: a manner of expression in which many unnecessary words are used.—v.i. Cir′cumlocute, to use circumlocution.—n. Circumlocū′tionist, one who practises circumlocution.—adj. Circumloc′utory.—Circumlocution office, a name given by Dickens in Little Dorrit to the government offices, owing to their dilatoriness in attending to business. [L. loqui, locutus, to speak.]