circumlocutory

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion  (sûrkm-l-kyshn)

n.

1. The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language.

2. Evasion in speech or writing.

3. A roundabout expression.

---

[Middle English circumlocucioun, from Latin circumlocti, circumloctin-, from circumloctus, past participle of circumloqu : circum-, circum- + loqu, to speak; see tolk^w- in Indo-European roots.]

---

circum·locu·tori·ly (-lky-tôr-l, -tr-) adv.

circum·locu·tory (-tôr, -tr) adj.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

circumlocutory - roundabout and unnecessarily wordy; "had a preference for circumlocutious (or circumlocutory) rather than forthright expression"; "A periphrastic study in a worn-out poetical fashion,/ Leaving one still with the intolerable wrestle/ With words and meanings."-T.S.Eliot; (`ambagious' is archaic) ambagious, circumlocutious, periphrastic indirect - extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow"

Translations

circumlocutory

adj → weitschweifig; expression → umschreibend