euphemise Definition
use a mild or indirect word or expression instead of one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
Using euphemise: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "euphemise" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He euphemised the term 'let go' to avoid hurting her feelings.
Example
The company euphemised the layoffs as 'restructuring'.
Example
Politicians often euphemise their language to avoid controversy.
euphemise Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for euphemise
Antonyms for euphemise
Phrases with euphemise
the process by which a word or phrase loses its original, neutral meaning and becomes associated with something negative or taboo, leading to the need for a new euphemism
Example
The term 'mentally retarded' was once a euphemism for people with intellectual disabilities, but it eventually became stigmatized, leading to the need for a new euphemism.
a polite or indirect way of referring to someone's death, often used to avoid causing offense or discomfort
Example
The obituary used the euphemism 'passed away' instead of 'died'.
a polite or indirect way of referring to sexual activity, often used to avoid causing offense or discomfort
Example
The novel used the euphemism 'making love' instead of 'having sex'.
Origins of euphemise
from Greek 'eu' meaning 'good' and 'phemein' meaning 'to speak'
Summary: euphemise in Brief
'Euphemise' [ˈjuːfəmaɪz] is a verb that means to use a mild or indirect word or expression instead of one considered too harsh or blunt. It is often used to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing offense. Examples include 'He euphemised the term 'let go' to avoid hurting her feelings.' and 'Politicians often euphemise their language to avoid controversy.' 'Euphemise' can also be used in phrases like 'euphemism treadmill,' which refers to the process by which a word or phrase loses its original meaning and becomes associated with something negative or taboo.
