Circumlocutory

Quick meaning: Circumlocutory is an adjective meaning Characterised by circumlocution; overly wordy.

Meaning

Characterised by circumlocution; overly wordy.

Example Sentences

Another common type of error is a circumlocutory error, when the patient describes the item in several words (e.g., describing a beaver as "an animal that eats trees").

Rachel's talks with the vicar were frequent; and poor little Mrs. William Wylder, who knew not the reason of his visits, fell slowly, and to the good man's entire bewilderment, into a chronic jealousy. It expressed itself enigmatically; it was circumlocutory, sad, and mysterious.

1727, Jonathan Swift (attributed), Martinus Scriblerus, or the Art of Sinking In Poetry Periphrase is another great aid to prolixity; being a diffused circumlocutory manner of expressing a known idea, which should be so mysteriously couched, as to give the reader the pleasure of guessing what it is, that the author can possibly mean; and a strange surprise, when he finds it.

Synonyms for circumlocutory

Depending on context, synonyms include circumlocuitous, circumlocutious, circumlocutional, circumlocutionary, periphrastic, verbose.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include periphrastic, circumlocutious, ambagious, wordy, circumlocuitous, circumlocutive.

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