circumlocution etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: "circumlocutio"
  • "circum" (around) + "locutus" (past participle of "loqui", to speak)

Meaning:

Circumlocution is an indirect or roundabout manner of speaking, often used to avoid using direct or potentially offensive language. It involves using multiple words to express something that could be said in a more concise way.

Origin:

The term "circumlocution" was first used in Latin in the 16th century. It was originally used to describe the use of indirect language in legal documents. Over time, it came to be used more broadly to refer to any form of indirect or roundabout speech.

Examples:

  • "Pass away" instead of "die"
  • "Eliminate the waste product" instead of "take a poop"
  • "In a state of inebriation" instead of "drunk"
  • "Utilize" instead of "use"
  • "Engage in discourse" instead of "talk"

circumlocution relate terms

  • periphrasis

    Etymology Derived from the Greek word periphrasis meaning roundabout expression or

  • phrase

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It involves examining the h

  • circum

    Etymology The word circum comes from the Latin word circum which means around or

  • circus

    Etymology The word circus derives from the Latin word circus which means ring or

  • circumlocution

    Etymology Latin circumlocutio circum around locutus past participle of loq

  • colloquium

    Etymology The word colloquium is derived from the Latin word colloqui which means t

  • colloquy

    Etymology The word colloquy derives from the Latin word colloquium which means conf

  • elocution

    Etymology and Meaning of Elocution Origin Latin elocūtiō Meaning Speaking out sp

  • eloquence

    Etymology Latin eloquentia Proto Indo European h₁el to speak Meaning The a

  • grandiloquence

    Etymology Latin grandiloquus grandis grand loqui to speak Meaning The

  • interlocution

    Etymology Inter Latin between Loqui Latin to speak tion Latin the act

  • interlocutor

    Etymology Latin interlocutor interlocutor From the prefix inter between loqu

  • locution

    Etymology French locution Latin locutiō a speaking speech saying Derived from

  • locutory

    Locutory Etymology Meaning A false or popular etymology based on a supposed connection b

  • loquacious

    Etymology The word loquacious comes from the Latin word loqui which means to speak

  • loquacity

    Etymology From Latin loquacitat loquax talkative from loqui to speak Mean

  • loquitur

    Etymology Loquitur is a Latin word that means speaks or speake It is derived from

  • magniloquence

    Etymology lt Latin magniloquentia grandiloquence from magniloquus grandiloque

  • magniloquent

    Etymology Magniloquent is derived from the Latin phrase magni loqui meaning to spe

  • obloquy

    Etymology Obloquy comes from the Latin word obloqui which means to speak against

  • soliloquy

    Etymology The word soliloquy comes from the Latin word soliloquium which itself der

  • somniloquy

    Etymology Somniloquy is derived from the Latin words somnus sleep loqui

  • vaniloquence

    Etymology From Latin vaniloquus speaking vain things From vanus vain empty l

  • ventriloquism

    Etymology Ventriloquism is derived from three Latin words Venter belly Loqui

  • ventriloquy

    Etymology The word ventriloquy is derived from the Latin words venter belly and lo

  • anfractuous

    Etymology Latin anfractus a winding bend Proto Indo European h₂n̥k to ben

  • point blank

    Etymology Point From the Old French point meaning sharp end or dot Blank From

  • spade

    Etymology The word spade derives from the Old English word spada which is derived fr

  • improvise

    Etymology The word improvise originates from the Latin improvisus meaning unforese

  • equivocation

  • expression

    Etymology The word expression derives from the Latin word expressio which means to

  • missionary

    Etymology Latin missionarius from missīo sending forth expedition Old French

  • preliminary

    Etymology preliminary adjective from Latin prae before liminaris threshold M

  • iris

    Etymology Greek íris Meaning Rainbow Messenger of the gods Goddess of the rainb

  • deputy

    Etymology Old French depute Latin deputāre to appoint assign de away put