Word bank

Improve your reading skills, Memorize words and practice vocabulary

Memorized by 30+ users

euphemism

/ˈjuː.fəˌmɪ.z(ə)m/
Meanings
  • Noun

    A mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered to be harsh, blunt, or offensive.

    - "Instead of using the word 'die', a euphemism like 'pass away' or 'go to sleep' can be used."
    - "In a formal setting, 'deceased' or 'the late' may be used instead of 'dead'."
Pronunciation
  1. /ˈjuː.fəˌmɪ.z(ə)m/



    Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50014386"
Antonyms

dysphemism , expletive
Rhymes
Words rhyming with euphemism
balm , calm , psalm
Variants
List of all variants of euphemism that leads to same result
euphemism , euphemisms , euphemist , euphemistic , euphemistically , euphemists
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Greek eu, 'good', and euphēmia, 'good repute'.

Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

  1. Did you know that 'euphemism' is also the name of a genus of moths?

  2. The ancient Greeks used euphemisms to refer to death, such as 'the golden fleece' or 'the sweet fruit of life'.

  3. The longest euphemism for 'death' is 'an unplanned, temporary relocation to a faraway place'.

Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

  1. Euphemistic language: Language used to convey a meaning that is more polite, indirect, or less harsh than the literal meaning.

  2. Taboo words: Words or expressions that are considered offensive or inappropriate in certain contexts and are often replaced with euphemisms.

Quotes
Quotes by authors and personalities

  1. Cougar is the "euphemism" for a woman who has reached mid-life, who is single, financially secure and on the lookout for relationships with younger men—as in "prey."

    - Kerry Gold,{it}Vancouver Sun{/it},17 Feb. 2001

  2. If you are "let go," "separated," "terminated" or whatever "euphemism" the company uses for "clean-out-your-desk-and-be-gone," remember that you do have rights.

    - Elsie Maclay,{it}First for Women{/it},July 1989

  3. Spin is sometimes dismissed as a simple "euphemism" for lying. But it's actually something more insidious: indifference to the truth.

    - Michael Kinsley,{it}Time{/it},25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001

  4. "Invigorating" is the "euphemism" we use most often to describe the chilly waters off the coast, but knowledgeable Maine boaters know where to find the warmer, tidal waters just right for a midsummer dip.

    - Ken Textor,{it}Down East{/it},August 2001
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

Euphemisms have been used throughout history and across cultures to soften the impact of harsh or unpleasant realities. They can be found in various forms of literature, art, and music.

How to Memorize "euphemism"

  1. visualize

    - Imagine a situation where you need to break bad news to someone. Visualize yourself using a euphemism instead of the harsh truth.
    - Visualize the positive connotation associated with a euphemism compared to the negative connotation of the harsh truth.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word 'euphemism' with 'politeness' or 'indirectness'.
    - Think of a time when you used a euphemism and how it made the situation more comfortable for all involved.

  3. mnemonics

    - Use the acronym EUPHEMISM to remember the definition: 'Euphonic Utterances Produce Harmony, Euphemisms Make Impolite Situations Manageable'.
    - Create a mental image of a euphemism as a soft, fluffy cloud that covers the harsh reality.

Memorize "euphemism" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize euphemism is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

  1. Highlighting:

    Whenever users encounters the saved word on a webpage, Dictozo highlights it, drawing the user's attention and reinforcing memorization.

  2. Periodic Reminders:

    Dictozo will send you periodic reminders to remind you the saved word, it will ask you quiz. These reminders could be in the form of notifications or emails, prompting users to recall and reinforce their knowledge.

Install Now