What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumstantiality
Example
The detective's report was filled with circumstantiality, outlining every piece of evidence and witness testimony. [circumstantiality: noun]
Example
She spoke with great circumstantiality, leaving no doubt in the listener's mind about the sequence of events. [circumstantiality: adverb]
prolixity
Example
His prolixity made it difficult to understand his main points in the presentation. [prolixity: noun]
Example
The author's prolixity in describing the setting slowed down the pace of the story. [prolixity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prolixity is more commonly used than circumstantiality in everyday language. Prolixity is often used to criticize someone for being long-winded or overly verbose, while circumstantiality is a more specialized term used in specific contexts such as legal or investigative reports.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between circumstantiality and prolixity?
Both circumstantiality and prolixity are formal words, but circumstantiality is more commonly used in professional or technical settings, while prolixity can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe excessive wordiness.