circumlocutory
UK: /ˌsɜːkəmˈlɒkjʊtəri/ | US: /ˌsɜːrkəmˈlɑːkjətɔːri/
adj. using many words where fewer would do, especially in an evasive way; indirect or roundabout in speech or writing.
circumlocutory = circum<around> + locut<speak> + ory<adjective suffix>
- circum (Latin circum): "around"
- locut (Latin loqui, past participle locutus): "to speak"
- ory (Latin -orius): adjective-forming suffix indicating "relating to"
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin circumlocutio ("talking around"), the word combines circum (around) and loqui (to speak). It originally described evasive or overly verbose speech, reflecting the literal idea of "speaking in circles." The suffix -ory adapts it into an adjective, preserving its core meaning of indirectness.
The politician's circumlocutory answer avoided addressing the question directly.
Legal documents are often criticized for their circumlocutory language.
Instead of a simple "no," she gave a circumlocutory explanation.
His circumlocutory style made the lecture difficult to follow.
The manual's circumlocutory instructions confused users.