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.

• 🇷🇺Существительное, обозначающее мягкое, косвенное или неопределённое слово или выражение, используемое для замены того, что считается слишком резким, прямым или оскорбительным.

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.

   🇷🇺Эвфемизм

   Синонимы: circumlocutionevasionsofteningsubstitutionunderstatement

   Антонимы: 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.

   🇷🇺Эвфемизм

   Синонимы: circumlocutionperiphrasissubstituteunderstatement

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