euphemisms
|eu-phe-misms|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈjuːfəˌmɪzəmz/
🇬🇧
/ˈjuːfɪˌmɪzəmz/
(euphemism)
mild expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'euphemism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'euphēmismos,' where 'eu-' meant 'good' and 'phēmē' meant 'speech.'
Historical Evolution
'euphēmismos' transformed into the Latin word 'euphemismus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'euphemism' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'good speech,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'mild or indirect expression.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
The term 'passed away' is a euphemism for 'died'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45