Circumlocutionary

/ˌsɜːrkəmloʊˈkjuːʃəneri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or of the nature of circumlocution; characterized by indirect or roundabout use of language.

Etymology

From 'circumlocution' + '-ary' (adjective suffix variant of '-al'). This alternative adjective form emerged as scholars and writers needed multiple ways to describe the quality of indirect speech patterns.

Kelly Says

This is essentially the same meaning as 'circumlocutional' but sounds even more elaborate and sophisticated! The existence of both forms shows how English loves to create multiple adjective variants—'circumlocutionary' appears in older texts when writers wanted to sound especially erudite about someone's wordiness.

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