How Do You Spell CIRCUITOUS?

Pronunciation: [sɜːkjˈuːˌɪtəs] (IPA)

The word "circuitous" (səˈkɜːtʃuəs) means longer than necessary and not direct. It is derived from the Latin word "circuitor," which means "going around." The spelling of "circuitous" can be confusing because it contains multiple syllables and vowel sounds. The first syllable can be pronounced with either a short or long "u" sound. The second syllable contains a "tch" sound, which is a combination of "t" and "sh." The ending contains the common "-ous" suffix, meaning "full of," often used to describe a quality or character of the word.

CIRCUITOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Circuitous is an adjective that refers to something that takes a longer and indirect route or path instead of a direct or straightforward one. It describes a course, journey, or process that involves twisting, winding, or meandering rather than proceeding directly towards its goal. The term often carries the connotation of being unnecessarily complicated or convoluted.

   In a literal sense, a circuitous route may involve numerous detours or deviations from the most direct way, making the journey longer or more winding than necessary. Similarly, a circuitous argument or line of reasoning may involve unnecessary complexity, incorporating multiple steps or digressions before arriving at a conclusion.

   Figuratively, circuitous can be used to describe someone's communication style or manner of speaking that is characterized by indirectness or evasiveness. It suggests that the person avoids direct answers or straightforward expression, often using tangents or diversions when communicating their thoughts or opinions.

   Overall, the term circuitous implies a lack of directness or an avoidance of the most efficient or logical path. It highlights a twisting or winding nature that may hinder progress or understanding. Consequently, when something is described as circuitous, it suggests that the process, route, or communication involved is more complicated, indirect, or convoluted than necessary.

2. Going round in a circle; not straight or direct.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CIRCUITOUS *

• circutious 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CIRCUITOUS

• circuites
• xircuitous
• vircuitous
• circuityous
• circumflous
• arciocentrous
• circuteous
• circituous

Etymology of CIRCUITOUS

The word "circuitous" is derived from the Latin word "circuitus", which means "a going around" or "a going about". It is formed by combining the prefix "circum", meaning "around", and the verb "ire", meaning "to go". The word "circuitous" initially entered the English language in the 16th century.

Similar spelling words for CIRCUITOUS

• circuit board,
• circuit,
• circuitry,
• circuit card.