What is circumlocution and why might you use it?

The definition of circumlocution

The term “circumlocution” (pronounced sir-kum-low-KEW-shun) means to use more words than necessary. If someone uses circumlocution, they’re writing or speaking in a roundabout, indirect manner. It’s the opposite of direct language. Circumlocution is also known as periphrasis, circumvolution, or ambage.

Circumlocution is a form of euphemism. Euphemisms are indirect words or expressions to discuss an unpleasant topic. For example, saying “He peacefully passed away” is a euphemism and a circumlocution for “He died.”

Write with Confidence using Editor

Elevate your writing with real-time, intelligent assistance

Learn more

Why would a writer use circumlocution?

There are plenty of reasons to intentionally use this literary device in your writing. Some of these reasons are:

For ambiguity

If a writer is trying to create ambiguity in their work, they may use circumlocution rather than getting straight to the point. A writer may do this if they want to leave elements of their story open to interpretation.

To avoid taboo subjects

Writers may use circumlocution to avoid offending the reader. For example, if you’re writing a novel about a farmer who raises cattle to slaughter them and sell them for meat, you might instead use circumlocution to say, “The farmer relied on the local steakhouse to make a living.” This is a lighter and easier way to discuss raising animals for meat.

To increase their word count

Some writers may use circumlocution simply to raise their word count. For example, maybe your teacher wants a 500-word minimum essay. You can expand your word count by using circumlocution to write about things in a roundabout way.

To create imagery

Writers can use circumlocution to create a more vivid story. For example, instead of writing, “She thought the flowers smelled good,” the writer could use circumlocution to say, “Her lungs were immediately filled with a delicate, intoxicating fragrance, like a blooming garden in the spring.” This paints a more descriptive, interesting picture than the original sentence.

To create metaphorical language

Circumlocution can be used to create metaphors. For example, instead of saying, “The ocean was beautiful,” the writer could use circumlocution to instead say, “The sapphire abyss danced and sparkled in the light.”

To create irony or satire

Writers can use circumlocution for irony or satire. For example, instead of writing, “The governor stole money,” circumlocution could be used instead to say, “The governor engaged in an act of involuntary wealth redistribution.” This sentence describes theft in a satirical way and downplays the seriousness of the governor’s actions.

Examples of circumlocution

There are plenty of examples of circumlocution in literature, poems, and plays. In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Hamlet uses circumlocution to express his suicidal thoughts when he says, “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” Instead of directly addressing his desire for death, he uses a philosophical question.

Another famous example of circumlocution is found in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The villain, Voldemort, is referred to as “He-Who-Must-not-Be-Named” or “You-Know-Who.” Instead of using his name, the characters refer to him using circumlocution since saying his name out loud can bring on a curse.

Circumlocution can also be found in Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift. Swift wrote this satirical novel to criticize politics. In the novel, he uses the name “Lilliputians” as a way of referring to the British government without directly naming them.

In Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Kubla Khan, he uses circumlocution to describe a mythical city. In the poem, he writes:

“So twice five miles of fertile ground

With walls and towers were girdled round:

And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,

Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;

And here were forests ancient as the hills,

Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.”

Can you find the circumlocution in this part of the poem? If you guessed “twice five miles of fertile ground,” you’re correct. Instead of saying “ten miles,” Coleridge uses circumlocution and writes “twice five miles.”

Is circumlocution bad?

Circumlocution should be avoided in business and formal academic work. If you’re writing in a business or academic setting, it’s important that you write in a clear, concise manner. If you use circumlocution, you’re talking in circles rather than being direct about a topic. However, circumlocution may be appropriate in works of fiction or poetry. If you want to avoid circumlocution in your writing, it’s essential that you learn how to write clearly.

When used in the right context, circumlocution can enhance your stories. Learn about more literary devices like alliteration and hyperbole to take your writing to the next level.