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Literary Devices

Figure of Speech · Syntax & Structure

Circumlocution

Circumlocution is a literary device that involves the use of indirect or roundabout language to express an idea, often with the intention of being more polite, tactful, or evasive. Rather than stating something directly, circumlocution involves using a series of words or phrases to hint at or imply the intended meaning. This device can be used to convey a variety of emotions, from diplomacy and politeness to sarcasm and criticism. Circumlocution is often used in literature, particularly in dialogue and character interactions, to add depth and nuance to the language and to reflect the complexity of human communication.

Circumlocution takes an indirect verbal route instead of stating something simply. In this project it emphasizes avoidance, tact, evasion, or difficulty reaching the point, while acknowledging substantial overlap with Periphrasis.

He said the report contained several opportunities for greater accuracy instead of calling it false.
Roundabout phrasing avoids a direct accusation.

See it in language

Examples of Circumlocution

  1. He said the report contained several opportunities for greater accuracy instead of calling it false.

    Instructional example

  2. After five minutes describing the weather, she finally asked to borrow the car.

    Instructional example

    Extended indirect speech delays the actual request.

  3. The spokesperson referred to the closure as a temporary pause in public accessibility.

    Instructional example

    Elaborate wording evades the simpler statement that the building is closed.

Show more examples
  1. In "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, the character Mr. Collins uses circumlocution to express his intentions towards Elizabeth Bennet, saying, "My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances to set the example of matrimony in his parish."

    Instructional example

  2. In "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, the character Huck uses circumlocution to describe his feelings of guilt and conflict over his relationship with the runaway slave Jim, saying, "It made me shiver. And I about made up my mind to pray; and see if I couldn't try to quit being the kind of a boy I was, and be better."

    Instructional example

  3. In "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist Holden Caulfield uses circumlocution to express his dissatisfaction with the world around him, such as saying, "I'm not kidding, it was the worst. And what made it even worse, my brother D.B. was a writer, and he was out in Hollywood being a prostitute."

    Instructional example

  4. In "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde, the characters use circumlocution to navigate the social conventions and expectations of the Victorian era, such as saying, "I have been obliged to give up several large Bunbury's in London, and to put my country estate into somewhat of order."

    Instructional example

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Identify the direct statement the passage avoids or delays.
  2. Mark extra phrases, qualifications, or detours creating indirectness.
  3. Explain whether the circumlocution signals tact, anxiety, deception, satire, or verbosity.

Meaning and effect

Why writers use Circumlocution

Create interpretive depth
Its pattern can create interpretive depth in context.
Develop tone
The device can develop tone through its distinctive textual mechanism.
Engage readers
Writers may use it to engage readers for readers.

Follow the idea

Related devices

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

Is Circumlocution always deceptive?

No. It may be tactful, anxious, comic, poetic, or simply verbose.

How does it differ from Periphrasis here?

This project emphasizes communicative avoidance or verbal detour for Circumlocution and descriptive renaming for Periphrasis, while treating the terms as overlapping.