Word of the day: Circumlocution

Sometimes, Communication is not always as direct as it seems. Some individuals take a longer, more elaborate approach to express their feelings; they often use more words than necessary rather than getting straight to the point. This style of speaking or writing, in which feelings and thoughts are conveyed indirectly through excessive use of words, is known as “circumlocution”.

This word reflects how language can sometimes overlook form over clarity. It makes simple ideas appear more complex than they actually are. This term helps in recognising when communication becomes unnecessarily elaborate and why clear, concise expression is often more effective in everyday conversations as well as formal writing.

What does circumlocution mean

Circumlocution means the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea. This is often referred to as “going roundabout” about a subject. It is characterised by indirect, wordy language rather than direct, concise speech.

Pronunciation of circumlocution

• Pronounced: sur-kum-loh-kyoo-shuhn
• Phonetic spelling: /ˌsɜː.kəm.ləˈkjuː.ʃən/
• The stress falls on the syllable “KYOO”.

Origin of the word circumlocution

Circumlocution originates from late Latin circumlocution, meaning “speaking around”. It is derived from two words: circum (around) and loqui (to speak). The term entered the English language in the 16th century, carrying the same idea of expressing something in an indirect way. The word mirrors that when an individual is not addressing the point directly, and talking around a point.

How to use circumlocution in a sentence

The politician’s answer was full of circumlocution, avoiding the question entirely.
The report used so much circumlocution that the main point became unclear.
Her tendency towards circumlocution made simple conversations unnecessarily long.
Instead of being direct, he relied on circumlocution to soften his criticism.

Synonyms of circumlocution

• Verbosity
• Periphrasis
• Evasion
• Rambling

Antonyms of circumlocution

• Brevity
• Directness
• Clarity
• Conciseness