Words / C2

sur-KYOO-it-uh-s/sɜːˈkjuːɪtəs/

Circuitous means long and indirect, of a route or an explanation: a circuitous path, a circuitous answer. Indirect is everyday; roundabout is the spoken cousin; rambling criticises disorder more than length. In speech, roundabout or the long way round is enough. A circuitous route may be chosen; a circuitous answer often evades. It is not a compliment for thoroughness.

Meaning

Long and indirect, of a route or an explanation.

Examples

• “He gave a circuitous answer instead of a yes.”
• “He gave a circuitous answer instead of yes or no.”
• “The circuitous bus route made a twenty-minute journey an hour.”

Good to know

Roundabout; not direct. Everyday: roundabout / the long way. Of routes and explanations. Often implies evasion in speech.

Near in meaning

roundabout

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