word
circumlocution
ser-kum-loh-KYOO-shun
ˌsɜːrkəmloʊˈkjuːʃənListen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
circumlocution
Sounds like
Say 'ser-kum-loh-KYOO-shun'.
Dictionary meaning
The use of many words where fewer would do, especially to avoid saying something directly.
History and origin
Latin — 'circum' (around) + 'locutio' (speaking).
Examples
- Dickens satirised bureaucratic circumlocution in the 'Circumlocution Office' of Little Dorrit.
Common mispronunciations
ser-kum-LOK-yoo-shunSER-kum-loh-kyoo-shun
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