What does circumlocutory mean?
Circumlocutory means Characterised by circumlocution; overly wordy.
Circumlocutory
/sɜː.kəm.ləʊˈkjuː.tə.ɹi/ · adjective
Meaning
Characterised by circumlocution; overly wordy.
Example Sentences
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.
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.
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").
Synonyms for circumlocutory
Antonyms for circumlocutory
Related Words
Word Forms
- more circumlocutory
- most circumlocutory
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for circumlocutory?
Common synonyms include circumlocuitous, circumlocutious, circumlocutional, circumlocutionary.
What is the opposite of circumlocutory?
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
How do you use circumlocutory in a sentence?
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.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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