Definitions
- Describing the use of multiple words to express a single idea or concept. - Referring to the act of using indirect or roundabout language to convey a message. - Talking about the use of euphemisms or polite expressions to avoid using direct or blunt language.
- Describing the use of excessive or unnecessary words to express a simple idea or concept. - Referring to the act of avoiding a direct answer or statement by using vague or ambiguous language. - Talking about the use of complex or technical language to explain something in a convoluted way.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve the use of multiple words to express an idea.
- 2Both can be used to avoid using direct or blunt language.
- 3Both can make communication more complicated or confusing.
- 4Both can be used intentionally or unintentionally.
What is the difference?
- 1Purpose: Periphrase is often used to be polite or avoid offending someone, while circumlocution is often used to avoid answering a question or revealing information.
- 2Clarity: Periphrase can make a message clearer by using more descriptive language, while circumlocution can make a message more confusing by using unnecessary or vague language.
- 3Tone: Periphrase can be used to soften the tone of a message, while circumlocution can be used to sound more formal or technical.
- 4Usage: Periphrase is more commonly used in literature or formal writing, while circumlocution is more commonly used in everyday speech or conversation.
Remember this!
Periphrase and circumlocution are both ways of expressing an idea using more words than necessary. However, the difference between them lies in their purpose, clarity, tone, length, and usage. Periphrase is often used to be polite or avoid offending someone, while circumlocution is often used to avoid answering a question or revealing information. Periphrase can make a message clearer by using more descriptive language, while circumlocution can make a message more confusing by using unnecessary or vague language. Periphrase is more commonly used in literature or formal writing, while circumlocution is more commonly used in everyday speech or conversation.
