Circumdiction

/ˌsɜːrkəmˈdɪkʃən/ noun

Definition

A roundabout or indirect way of speaking or writing; using many words to express something that could be said more directly.

Etymology

From Latin circum (around) + dictio (speaking, from dicere to speak), plus -tion (action noun suffix). The term combines 'around' with 'speaking' to mean talking in a circling, indirect manner.

Kelly Says

Politicians are masters of circumdiction—they use it to avoid answering questions directly while appearing to speak, creating a verbal labyrinth where listeners eventually forget what they originally asked.

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