Found 2 items, similar to Circumlocution.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: circumlocution circumlocution n 1: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things [syn: periphrasis, ambage] 2: an indirect way of expressing something [syn: indirect expression ]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Circumlocution Circumlocution \Cir`cum*lo*cu"tion\, n. [L. circumlocutio, fr. circumloqui, -locutus, to make use of circumlocution; circum + loqui to speak. See Loquacious.] The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase. [1913 Webster] the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution. --Swift. [1913 Webster] Circumlocution office, a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials. [1913 Webster]