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.
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