euphemism

/ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈjuːfəmɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈyü-fə-ˌmi-zəm/ (ame, mw)

euphemism — noun

  • euphemismsingular
  • euphemismsplural

1. a milder word or short expression people choose when they need to talk about som

1.名詞C1
釋義

a milder word or short expression people choose when they need to talk about something unpleasant, embarrassing, or taboo without saying it openly.

例句

The nurse called 'pass away' a euphemism for dying.

pattern: euphemism for + noun/gerund

At work, Dario said 'let go' was a euphemism for being fired.

common workplace euphemism

同義詞
  • circumlocution

    a broader and more formal roundabout way of speaking; it is not always used to soften a harsh idea

  • understatement

    downplays how serious something is; understatement changes the degree, while euphemism replaces the direct term

  • dysphemism

    the opposite move: it chooses a harsher or more offensive term on purpose

反義詞
  • plain speaking

    direct language without softening or dressing up the idea

  • bluntness

    a direct, often impolite way of saying something

文法句型

a euphemism for + noun

use X as a euphemism for Y

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'for' when you name the more direct idea ('a euphemism for death'). It is often used when discussing politeness, illness, advertising, or political language. The word comments on the wording choice itself, not on whether the statement is true.

常見錯誤

❌Pass away is euphemism for dying.
✅Pass away is a euphemism for dying.
💡When you mean one particular mild expression, euphemism is usually countable and needs an article.
❌Calling layoffs "workforce adjustment" is an understatement.
✅Calling layoffs "workforce adjustment" is a euphemism.
💡A euphemism replaces a direct term with a softer one; an understatement makes something sound less serious.