verbiage
UK: ˈvɜː.bi.ɪdʒ | US: ˈvɝː.bi.ɪdʒ
n. An excessive or superfluous use of words, often leading to unclear or pretentious language.
n. The manner or style of verbal expression; wording.
verbiage = verb<word> + iage<noun suffix indicating collective or abstract quality>
- verb (from Latin verbum, meaning "word")
- iage (a suffix derived from French -age, indicating a collective or abstract noun, e.g., "foliage" or "marriage")
Etymology Origin:
The word "verbiage" entered English in the early 18th century from French, where it originally referred to "wording" or "phrasing." It combines verbum (Latin for "word") with the French suffix -age, which denotes a collective or abstract concept. Over time, "verbiage" acquired a negative connotation, emphasizing excessive or empty wordiness. The evolution reflects a shift from neutral description to criticism of overly verbose language.
The contract was filled with legal verbiage that confused most readers.
Her speech contained more verbiage than substance.
Editors often cut unnecessary verbiage to improve clarity.
The professor’s verbiage made the simple topic seem complicated.
Avoid verbiage in technical writing to ensure precision.