circumvent
Circumvent (verb) means to find a way around an obstacle, rule, or difficulty rather than dealing with it directly. Example: “The company circumvented the import tax by manufacturing locally.”
How to Use Circumvent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get around a rule, restriction, or problem cleverly, often implying some cunning.
Word Forms
circumvented past tense, circumvents singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company _____ the import tax by manufacturing locally.
Etymology
From Latin circumvenire, "to come around" — circum ("around") plus venire ("to come").
Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “circumvent” mean?
The word “circumvent” means to find a way around an obstacle, rule, or difficulty rather than dealing with it directly. In plain terms, to get around a rule, restriction, or problem cleverly, often implying some cunning.
How do you pronounce “circumvent”?
“Circumvent” is pronounced suh-kuhm-VEHNT (/səːkəmˈvɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “circumvent” in a sentence?
Here is “circumvent” used in a sentence: “The company circumvented the import tax by manufacturing locally.”
What part of speech is “circumvent”?
“Circumvent” is a verb.
Where does the word “circumvent” come from?
The word “circumvent” comes from Latin. From Latin circumvenire, "to come around" — circum ("around") plus venire ("to come").
Is “circumvent” a common word?
“Circumvent” is an uncommon word in modern English.