What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
circumvention
Example
The company used creative accounting practices to circumvent tax laws. [circumvent: verb]
Example
He managed to find a clever circumvention to avoid the traffic jam. [circumvention: noun]
avoidance
Example
She has a strong avoidance of public speaking. [avoidance: noun]
Example
He always tries to avoid confrontations with his coworkers. [avoid: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Avoidance is more commonly used than circumvention in everyday language. Avoidance is a versatile term that can be applied to various situations, while circumvention is more specific and often used in the context of rules, regulations, or obstacles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between circumvention and avoidance?
Both circumvention and avoidance can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, circumvention may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its association with rules and regulations.