circuitous

/səˈkjuːɪtəs/ (bre, ipa) · /sərˈkjuːɪtəs/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)sər-ˈkyü-ə-təs/ (ame, mw)

circuitous — adjective

  • circuitouspositive
  • more circuitouscomparative
  • most circuitoussuperlative

1. Going by a route with many turns or extra stages instead of moving straight to t

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Going by a route with many turns or extra stages instead of moving straight to the destination.

例句

The mountain road was circuitous, with sharp turns above the river.

collocation: circuitous road

Nia took a circuitous path through the market to avoid the rain.

collocation: circuitous path

同義詞
  • roundabout

    More common in everyday speech for a route that is not direct.

  • winding

    Emphasises many bends in the physical shape of the road or path.

  • indirect

    Broader and less vivid; it can describe methods as well as routes.

反義詞
  • direct

    Goes to the destination without unnecessary turns or delay.

  • straight

    Emphasises a line or route with little or no bending.

文法句型

circuitous route/path/road

be + circuitous

用法筆記

Often describes roads, routes, walks, or journeys that involve unnecessary turns or extra distance. Distinguish from sense 2 (AVOIDING THE POINT), which is about avoiding a clear answer or action rather than physical movement.

常見錯誤

❌The circle on the map is circuitous.
✅The route on the map is circuitous.
💡'Circuitous' describes a way of getting somewhere, not the round shape of an object.
❌We found a circuitous shortcut through the park.
✅We found a direct shortcut through the park.
💡A shortcut saves distance, while 'circuitous' suggests a longer way around.

2. Using a slow, roundabout way of speaking or acting instead of stating or doing s

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Using a slow, roundabout way of speaking or acting instead of stating or doing something plainly.

例句

The mayor gave a circuitous answer when reporters asked about the budget.

collocation: circuitous answer

Henrik was circuitous during the meeting because he did not want to blame anyone.

pattern: be circuitous in + situation

同義詞
  • evasive

    Stronger and more negative, often suggesting someone is hiding the truth.

  • roundabout

    More common in everyday English for speech that takes too long to reach the point.

  • indirect

    Broader and can be neutral, while 'circuitous' often suggests needless delay.

反義詞
  • direct

    States the point clearly without going around it.

  • frank

    Emphasises openness and honesty in what someone says.

  • straightforward

    Suggests a clear and simple way of speaking or acting.

文法句型

circuitous answer/reply/explanation

be + circuitous + in + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Usually describes answers, explanations, or behavior that avoid the main point. Distinguish from sense 1 (ROUNDABOUT ROUTE), which refers to travel or movement that takes a longer way around.

常見錯誤

❌Her circuitous note clearly said no in the first line.
✅Her note was direct and clearly said no in the first line.
💡If the point is stated plainly, 'circuitous' is the wrong adjective.
❌The coach was circuitous and said exactly what he wanted immediately.
✅The coach was blunt and said exactly what he wanted immediately.
💡'Circuitous' implies avoiding a direct statement, not speaking plainly.