Taking a roundabout or indirect route; not following the shortest or most direct path. Can describe both physical routes and methods of reasoning or communication.
From Latin 'circuitus' meaning 'a going around,' from 'circum' (around) plus 'ire' (to go). The word evolved to describe any indirect approach, whether spatial or conceptual.
Think 'circuit' - like an electrical circuit that loops around instead of going straight! A circuitous route is like taking the scenic route when you could go direct.
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