euphemisms

Meanings

• Noun

  The use of a mild or indirect word or expression in place of one considered to be harsh, blunt, or offensive.

  - "Instead of saying 'die', we use the euphemism 'pass away'."
  - "Using the euphemism 'restroom' instead of 'bathroom' in formal settings."

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Antonyms

dysphemism , expletive

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with euphemisms
balmeths , calmeths , psalmseths

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Variants

List of all variants of euphemisms that leads to same result
euphemism , euphemisms , euphemist , euphemistic , euphemistically , euphemists

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From the Greek eu, 'good', and euphēmē, 'good word'.

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Trivia

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

1. Did you know that the term 'euphemism' first appeared in English in the 16th century?

2. Euphemisms are often used in politics to soften the impact of bad news or unpopular decisions.

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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 that uses euphemisms to replace harsh or offensive words.

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

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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

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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 to soften the impact of harsh realities or to maintain decorum. They can be found in various forms of literature, art, and music, as well as in everyday language.

How to Memorize "euphemisms"

1. visualize
   

   - Imagine a situation where using a harsh word would be inappropriate. Then, replace that word with a euphemism.
   - Visualize the euphemism as a soft, gentle word that takes the place of a harsh one.

2. associate
   

   - Associate euphemisms with positive or pleasant concepts to help remember their meaning.
   - Think of a euphemism as a polite or considerate way of expressing something.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Create a sentence using the euphemism and remember the first letter of each word in the sentence.
   - Use acronyms or rhymes to help remember the euphemism and its meaning.

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Memorize "euphemisms" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize euphemisms 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.