circumlocutoria

Circumlocutoria is a rhetorical term that describes the act of speaking or writing in a roundabout or lengthy manner, often avoiding a direct or simple statement. It involves using more words than necessary to convey a message, sometimes to obscure the meaning, to create a sense of formality, or out of a lack of clear thinking. The term originates from the Latin words "circum" meaning "around" and "loqui" meaning "to speak."

In essence, circumlocutoria is the opposite of conciseness. It can manifest in various forms, such as excessive use of subordinate clauses, unnecessary jargon, or repetitive phrasing. While sometimes employed intentionally for stylistic effect or to build suspense, it can also be a sign of vagueness, evasiveness, or an inability to articulate a point directly. In formal writing or speech, it is generally considered a flaw, as it can lead to reader or listener confusion and frustration. The goal of effective communication is typically clarity and brevity, which circumlocutoria actively works against. Understanding circumlocutoria helps in recognizing and avoiding wordiness in one's own communication and in analyzing the discourse of others.