Definition

In a way that uses mild or indirect words to replace harsh or blunt ones.

Example

He euphemistically referred to his job loss as a "career transition."

Conversation

Did you hear how he described the layoffs?euphemistically he called them "staff adjustments."

Yeah, that's a nice way to say it, isn't it?

It's crazy how people use language euphemistically to soften harsh realities.

Totally, it makes things sound less serious than they actually are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Euphemistically → It is formed from "eu-" (from Greek "euphēmia", meaning good speech) and "pheme" (from Greek "phēmē", meaning speech or saying) combined with the suffix "-ically" (meaning in a manner). The word refers to speaking in a way that is considered more agreeable or less offensive.

Memory Tip

Think of 'good speech' ('eu-') and 'saying' ('pheme') to remember that 'euphemistically' means speaking in a way that is more pleasant or less harsh.

Visually Confused Words