euphemism

A noun referring to a mild, indirect, or vague word or expression used to substitute for one that is considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.

• 🇫🇷Nom désignant un mot ou une expression adouci, indirect ou vague utilisé pour remplacer ce qui est jugé trop brutal, direct ou offensant.

1. Mild or indirect expression B2 formal

   A mild or indirect word or phrase used to replace one that is considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.

   • 'Passed away' is a common euphemism for 'died'.
   • He used a euphemism to avoid saying the job was boring.
   • The government's 'collateral damage' is a euphemism for civilian casualties.

   🇫🇷Euphémisme

   Synonymes: circumlocutionevasionsofteningsubstitutionunderstatement

   Antonymes: dysphemism

2. Polite substitute B2 formal

   A word or phrase used in polite conversation to avoid taboo or sensitive topics.

   • 'Let go' is a euphemism for being fired from a job.
   • She used a euphemism to describe her weight gain.
   • 'Adult entertainment' is a euphemism for pornography.

   🇫🇷Euphémisme

   Synonymes: circumlocutionperiphrasissubstituteunderstatement

• euphemisms plural form
• euphemisms' possessive plural form
• euphemism's possessive singular form