Circumlocution for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: ,sɜrkəmloʊ'kjuʃənWhat does Circumlocution really mean?
Circumlocution is quite a big word, but when you break it down, it's actually a way of using more words than necessary to explain something. It's like going around in circles before finally getting to the point. Kind of like when you want to tell a story and you keep getting sidetracked with all these extra details before actually getting to the main point. So, if someone is using a lot of words to explain something and not getting straight to the point, they are using circumlocution.
This word can also mean using indirect language or vague terms when talking about something instead of being straightforward. Imagine you're playing a game of charades or trying to describe something without using the actual name of the thing, just giving hints. You know, like when you want to describe an apple without actually saying the word apple. That's what circumlocution is all about - using lots of words and hints to describe something instead of just saying it directly.
Let's try to understand it a bit better. Imagine you're telling a friend about a movie you saw last night. But instead of simply saying "I watched an exciting action movie," you start by talking about how you felt after a long day, then you mention the popcorn you bought at the theater, and how crowded it was. You might even talk about how you parked your car far away and walked a long distance to get there. After all these extra details, you finally get to the point and say, "And oh yeah, the movie was really cool." That's circumlocution.
Another way to think about it is if you're giving directions to someone. Instead of saying "Turn left at the second street," you start by saying, "Okay, so first you need to go down this road and pass the big tree on your right. Then you'll see a little dog park, and just beyond that, there's a small grocery store. Keep going straight and you'll see a school on your left. After that, you'll come to a stop sign. That's where you turn left." See how you used a lot more words and gave extra details to explain the direction? That's circumlocution in action!
So, to sum it all up, circumlocution is using more words, giving extra details, or using indirect language to explain something or avoid saying it directly. It's like taking the long way around instead of getting straight to the point. Don't worry, though - it might be a big word, but now you can confidently understand and explain what circumlocution means!
Revised and Fact checked by Michael Miller on 2023-10-28 05:12:41
Circumlocution In a sentece
Learn how to use Circumlocution inside a sentece
- When someone doesn't want to say something directly, they might use circumlocution. For example, instead of saying 'I don't like your outfit', they could say 'You might want to consider trying a different style.'
- In stories or books, authors often use circumlocution to create suspense by not revealing important details right away. For instance, they might describe a character's actions without explicitly stating their thoughts or intentions.
- During a debate or discussion, politicians sometimes use circumlocution to avoid giving a direct answer to a question. They might talk about related topics without addressing the main concern.
- In a game of charades, players use circumlocution to convey a word or phrase without speaking. They might act out certain actions or use gestures to hint at the intended answer.
- When a person forgets a specific word or term, they might resort to circumlocution by describing the thing they are trying to remember instead. For example, instead of saying 'refrigerator', they might say 'the big cold box we keep our food in'.
Circumlocution Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Circumlocution Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.