as in "the paragraph was a bit circumlocutive."
circumlocution = wordy
2007-09-05 17:52:06 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Learn something new every day--according to Websters, the word "circumlocution" means:
1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
2 : evasion in speech
The adjective is circumlocutory. "Circumlocutive" doesn't appear to exist. Thanks for helping me to learn this!
2007-09-05 17:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by angelicatokyo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circumlocution is the noun--a roundabout way of expression something and/or the use of unnecessarily wordy language. The adjective is circumlocutory. It means excess wordiness, indirect, etc.
2007-09-06 04:06:54 · answer #2 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circumlocutory Speech
2016-12-11 18:55:00 · answer #3 · answered by fullem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Kind of. A more accurate description might be...
"Doesn't get to the point."
"Intentionally wordy to be deceitful"
Examples might be politicians and their aids who don't really answer questions with a yes or no, but ramble on without really giving you an answer that can be construed as yes, no, positive, or negative.
Reporter: "Do you believe in the death penalty?"
Candidate: "I believe in a punishment that fits the crime."
The candidate is being circumlocutory.
Congressional Panel "Is hitting about the head assault?"
President Testifying "It depends on what your definition of 'IS' is."
2007-09-05 18:03:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circumlocutory
2016-10-04 02:33:54 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋