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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary cir·cum·lo·cu·tion \\ˌsər-k əm-lō-ˈkyü-shən\\ noun ETYMOLOGY Middle English circumlocucyon, from Latin circumlocution-, circumlocutio, from circum- + locutio speech, from loqui to speak
DATE 15th century
1. the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea2. evasion in speech• cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry \\-ˈlä-kyə-ˌtȯr-ē\\ adjective
circumlocution
c.1510, from L. circumlocutionem (a loan-translation of Gk. periphrasis) "speaking around" (the topic), from circum- "around" + locutionem (nom. locutio) "a speaking," from stem of loqui "to speak."
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 circumlocution
cir·cum·lo·cu·tion / 7sE:kEmlE5kju:Fn; NAmE 7sE:rk- / noun[U, C]
(formal) using more words than are necessary, instead of speaking or writing in a clear, direct way
迂回曲折的说法；遁词
• cir·cum·lo·cu·tory / 7sE:kEm5lCkjutEri; 7sE:kEmlE5kju:tEri; NAmE 7sE:rkEm5lB:kjEtC:ri / adj.
Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged cir·cum·lo·cu·tion\ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+lōˈkyüshən\ noun( -s) Etymology: Latin circumlocution-, circumlocutio (from circum- + locutio speaking, speech, from locutus, past participle of loqui to speak), translation of Greek periphrasis — more at periphrasis 1. a. : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea : indirect or roundabout expression < the gift of the pamphleteer, who cuts through academic circumlocution — Vera M. Dean > b. : evasion in speech < a preference for circumlocution rather than forthrightness >2. : an instance of circumlocution • cir·cum·lo·cu·tion·al \| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷shən əl, -shnəl\ or cir·cum·lo·cu·tion·ary \-shəˌnerē, -ri\ adjective
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