Meaning & Definition of word "Euphemism"

Euphemism

/ˈjuː.fə.mɪ.zəm/

1. A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one that may be considered harsh or blunt.
- Example: Using 'passed away' as a euphemism for 'died' is common in many cultures.
2. An expression used to soften the impact of what is being communicated.
- Example: The term 'downsizing' is a euphemism for layoffs in the corporate world.
3. A figure of speech that replaces a more direct phrase with a less offensive one.
- Example: He referred to his unemployment as being 'between jobs,' a euphemism for his current situation.
4. A way of saying something that makes it seem more agreeable or acceptable.
- Example: The politician used a euphemism for 'tax increase' by calling it a 'revenue adjustment.'

Derived from the Greek word 'euphēmismos', from 'euphēmizein', meaning 'to use words of good omen'.

under the weather:

feeling ill or unwell

let go:

to dismiss someone from a job

in a family way:

pregnant

dysphemism:

A derogatory or unpleasant term used instead of a pleasant or neutral one.

litotes:

A form of understatement that uses negation to express a positive trait.

Meaning: A way to sugarcoat reality.

Example Sentence: Calling someone 'between jobs' instead of 'unemployed' is a euphemism.

Meaning: A nice way to say something bad.

Example Sentence: Using 'unexpectedly terminated' in place of 'fired' is a euphemism.