circumlocution
UK: /ˌsɜːkəmləˈkjuːʃən/ | US: /ˌsɜːrkəmləˈkjuːʃən/
n. the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive
n. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking
The word "circumlocution" originates from Latin circumlocutio, combining circum- (meaning "around") and loqui (meaning "to speak"). The morpheme locu derives from loqui, reflecting the idea of "speaking around" a topic rather than addressing it directly. The suffix -tion nominalizes the action, forming a term that describes evasive or verbose speech. Historically, this concept was used in rhetoric to critique unnecessarily elaborate expression.
Politicians often use circumlocution to avoid giving direct answers.
Her essay was full of circumlocution, making it hard to understand her main point.
The lawyer's circumlocution confused the jury rather than clarifying the issue.
Instead of a simple "no," he resorted to circumlocution.
Academic writing sometimes suffers from unnecessary circumlocution.