Circuitous (adj): roundabout, not following a direct path

The circuitous argument is one that rambles around for quite a while before making its point.

Circumlocution (n) an indirect expression, use of wordy or evasive language

The lawyer’ circumlocution left everyone in the courtroom wondering what had been said.

Circumscribe (v) to draw a line around, to set the limits; to define, to restrict

Circumspect (adj) cautious

As a public speaker, Nick was extremely circumspect; he always took great care not to say the wrong thing or give offense.

Circumvent (v) to frustrate as though by surrounding

The angry school board circumvented the students’ effort to install televisions in every classroom.

 

Civil (v) polite, civilized, courteous

Our dinner guests conducted themselves civilly when we told them we weren’t going to serve them dinner after all. They didn’t bang their cups on the table or throw their plates to the floor.

Clique (n) an exclusive group bound together by some shared quality or interest

The high school newspaper staff was a real clique; they all hung out together and wouldn’t talk to anyone else.

Clemency (v) mercy, forgiveness, mildness

The governor committed an act of clemency when he released all the convicts from the state penitentiar.

Mild weather is called clement weather; bad weather is called inclement

Cliché (n) an overused saying or idea

The expression ‘ you can’t judge a book by its cover ‘ is a cliché; it’s been used so many times that it’s become stale.