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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Circumlocution

Noun

A circumlocution is the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout way of expressing something or a vague or ambiguous language.

Example sentences:

1. His speech was full of circumlocution, making it hard to understand his main point.
2. The politician's answer was a clever circumlocution to avoid giving a direct response to the question.

Verb

To circumlocute means to speak in a roundabout manner or to use excessive wordiness to express something.

Example sentences:

1. She tends to circumlocute when asked simple questions, often confusing those around her.
2. Instead of directly answering, he chose to circumlocute and dance around the topic.

Related Adjective

Circumlocutory is an adjective used to describe someone or something that uses circumlocution.

Example sentences:

1. Her circumlocutory writing style made her book difficult to follow.
2. The professor's circumlocutory explanations confused the students even more.