noun
euphemism
YOO-fuh-mihz-uhm
noun
1
A mild or indirect word or phrase used in place of one considered too harsh, blunt, or unpleasant.
""Passed away" is a common euphemism for "died.""
"Calling layoffs "restructuring" is a classic corporate euphemism."
How to Use Euphemism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA softer, gentler way of saying something unpleasant or awkward.
Common pairings
a euphemism for
polite euphemism
Word Forms
euphemisms plural
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"Passed away" is a common _____ for "died."
Etymology
From Ancient Greek euphēmismós, from eúphēmos (\"using words of good omen\"), from eu- (\"well\") + phḗmē (\"speech, voice\").