Circumlocution |Define Circumlocution | Circumlocution Definition | Circumlocution Example |Circumlocution in a Sentence

Circumlocution |Define Circumlocution | Circumlocution Definition | Circumlocution Example |Circumlocution in a Sentence

A roundabout way of stating or
writing ideas.In it several words are
used where a few words can serve
the purpose.For examples:

"Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines,"
..........(Shakespeare:"Sonnet XVIII")

Here "the eye of heaven" is a
roundabout expression for the "sun".

In Keats' "To Autumn",Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"(for Autumn), "clammy cells"(for beehive), "The red-breast"(for robin),etc. are all examples of circumlocution.

Here are two more examples of circumlocution.

●The Peer now spreads the glittering forfex wide,
To inclose the Lock ;now join it,to divide.
Even then,before the fatal engine closed,
A wretched Sylph too fondly interposed.

..............(Pope:The Rape of the Lock)

The "glittering forfex" and the "fatal enzine"are circumlocutions and each can be replaced by "scissors".

Poets use it to impart importance,enhance poetic beauty and ,at times,provoke ironic laughter.



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