Circumlocution — Word of the Day October 17, 2026

Definition

The use of many words where fewer would do; a roundabout way of saying something. Circumlocution is the enemy of clear, direct communication.

“His circumlocutions only increased the committee's impatience; they wanted a simple yes or no.”

From Latin circumlocutio, from circum- (around) + locutio (speech), from loqui (to speak).

C₃I₁R₁C₃U₁M₃L₁O₁C₃U₁T₁I₁O₁N₁

CIRCUMLOCUTION scores 22 points in Scrabble.