euphemistically
|eu-phe-mis-ti-cal-ly|
C1
/ˌjuːfəˈmɪstɪkli/
(euphemistic)
indirect expression
Etymology
Etymology Information
'euphemistically' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'euphēmismos,' where 'eu-' meant 'good' and 'phēmē' meant 'speech.'
Historical Evolution
'euphēmismos' transformed into the Late 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 'using mild or indirect expressions.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that uses mild or indirect words or expressions to replace those considered harsh or blunt.
He described the situation euphemistically as a 'challenge'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45