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euphemism

noun [C or U]
 
 
/ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/

Definition

a word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word: 'Senior citizen' is a euphemism for 'old person'. The article made so much use of euphemism that often its meaning was unclear.Digressing and being indirect or evasiveMoving in order to avoid contactNot saying muchPolite and respectfulPolite and respectful euphemistic
 
 
/ˌjuː.fəˈmɪs.tɪk/ adjective
Digressing and being indirect or evasiveMoving in order to avoid contactNot saying muchPolite and respectfulPolite and respectful
euphemistically
 
 
/ˌjuː.fəˈmɪs.tɪ.kəl.i/ adverb
Digressing and being indirect or evasiveMoving in order to avoid contactNot saying much
(Definition of euphemism noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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