What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
verbalism
Example
His speech was full of verbalisms and jargon that made it difficult to understand. [verbalisms: noun]
Example
She tends to use verbalisms like 'um' and 'ah' when she speaks. [verbalisms: plural noun]
circumlocution
Example
He used circumlocution to avoid answering the question directly. [circumlocution: noun]
Example
She tends to speak in circumlocutions, making it hard to understand her point. [circumlocutions: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circumlocution is more commonly used than verbalism in everyday language. Circumlocution is often used in informal or everyday speech to avoid saying something directly or to be intentionally vague.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between verbalism and circumlocution?
Verbalism can be seen as more formal or academic, while circumlocution is often associated with informal or everyday speech.
