euphemism
gb/jˈufəmˌɪzəm/ us/jˈufəmˌɪzəm/
C1
Inglês
Acepções
0 acepção
Substantivo
C1
entity
1
polite word for unpleasant thing
A polite way to say something that could sound rude or upsetting.
Padrão de uso:
a euphemism (for [something])
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes use euphemism to mean any metaphor or idiom; a euphemism is specifically used to avoid saying something unpleasant or offensive directly.
Sinônimos
polite term (More general; doesn’t necessarily imply avoidance of taboo.)
|
circumlocution (Emphasizes talking around something, often with more words.)
Antônimos
dysphemism (A deliberately harsh or offensive term used instead of a neutral one.)
|
bluntness (Direct, plain speaking rather than softened wording.)
Colocações
use a euphemism
|a common euphemism
|a polite euphemism
|a euphemism for death
|a euphemism for sex
|resort to euphemisms
|avoid euphemisms
|a euphemistic term
|a thinly veiled euphemism
|a crude euphemism
Temas
language
|communication
|politeness
Exemplos
- “Passed away” is a euphemism for “died.”
- He used a euphemism because he didn’t want to upset her.
- The report is full of euphemisms that avoid describing what really happened.
Exemplos para estudantes
- “Let go” is a euphemism for “fired.”
- She used a euphemism to be polite.
Substantivo
C1
entity
2
softened term that hides reality
A soft word used to make something bad sound better.
Padrão de uso:
a euphemism for [something unpleasant/controversial]
Erro comum:
Don’t confuse this with a simple polite word choice; in this sense, euphemism often suggests deliberate “softening” or “spin.”
Sinônimos
doublespeak (Suggests intentionally deceptive language, especially official language.)
|
spin (Emphasizes presenting something in the best possible light.)
Antônimos
plain language (Clear wording that states the facts directly.)
|
truth (Directly naming the reality rather than softening it.)
Colocações
bureaucratic euphemism
|political euphemism
|corporate euphemism
|Orwellian euphemism
|a euphemism for layoffs
|a euphemism for torture
|a euphemism for corruption
|call it a euphemism
|dismiss it as a euphemism
|euphemism and doublespeak
Temas
language
|politics
|business
|media
Exemplos
- Calling it “collateral damage” is a euphemism that hides the fact that people were killed.
- The company described the cuts as “rightsizing,” a euphemism for layoffs.
- Critics said the policy was sold with euphemisms rather than honest details.
Exemplos para estudantes
- “Downsizing” is often a euphemism for job cuts.
Substantivo
formal
C2
process
3
habit of using polite terms
The practice of using polite, indirect words.
Padrão de uso:
euphemism in [speech/writing]
Erro comum:
This meaning is more abstract; in most everyday cases, euphemism refers to a specific word or phrase.
Sinônimos
euphemistic language (A close paraphrase focusing on style rather than a single term.)
Antônimos
plain speaking (A style that is direct rather than softened.)
Colocações
heavy euphemism
|excessive euphemism
|official euphemism
|the language of euphemism
|a culture of euphemism
|euphemism in public discourse
|euphemism in the workplace
|euphemism in advertising
Temas
language
|communication
|writing
Exemplos
- The memo’s euphemism made it hard to understand what would actually change.
- Her writing avoids euphemism and names problems directly.
Exemplos para estudantes
- Too much euphemism can confuse people.
Gramática
Forma no dicionário
euphemism
AFI
GB/jˈufəmˌɪzəm/
US/jˈufəmˌɪzəm/
Sílabas e tonicidade
eu - phem - ism (3 sílabas)
Stress on 1st syllable (eu)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: euphemism
- Plural: euphemism, euphemisms
Família de palavras
Forms
euphemisms
noun
Core family
euphemistic
adjective C1
Related words
euphemistically
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
dysphemism
noun
Expressões
a euphemism for [something]
1/ə jˈufəmˌɪzəm fɚ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
polite way to say something
We use this to explain what a polite word really means.
Exemplos
- “Senior moment” is a euphemism for forgetting something because you’re older.
- In the article, “enhanced interrogation” is described as a euphemism for torture.
euphemism treadmill
1/jˈufəmˌɪzəm tɹˈɛdmˌɪl/
fixed phrase
euphemisms become negative over time
When polite words change often because old ones start to sound bad.
Exemplos
- The terms for disability show the euphemism treadmill at work over several decades.
- Linguists often cite the euphemism treadmill to explain why new polite labels keep appearing.