euphemism
euphemisms
Pardon me, but when a polite term is substituted for a blunt, offensive one, you should call it a euphemism.
Euphemism is from Greek euphemismos, meaning "good speech," and it's a way that we paper over uncomfortable things with more pleasant-sounding words. These days we tend to use euphemisms when talking about anything having to do with elimination of bodily waste: toilet, bathroom, and water closet were all originally euphemisms. The military is also notorious for using euphemisms, like saying "neutralizing the target" instead of "killing someone."
-
an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
-
Antonyms:
-
dysphemism
an offensive or disparaging expression that is substituted for an inoffensive one
-
type of:
-
expression, locution, saying
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
-
dysphemism
Vocabulary lists containing euphemism
This list of challenge words features some of the hardest words that you will encounter in the Verbal Reasoning section of the GRE. These are words that typically appear less frequently across different academic disciplines, so you are less likely to have encountered them before. Master these difficult words and watch your GRE score soar!
In this fourth book of the series The Trials of Apollo, Lester joins the Roman demigods in their search for the tomb of an undead king.
Seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist Safiya Mirza comes across a dead body in a Chicago park. Because it belonged to another Muslim teenager, the haunting sight guides her to uncover the truths behind the murder of Jawad Ali.
Look up euphemism for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.
