A euphemism is an indirect expression to avoid a direct reference or a straightforward term. It's commonly to be polite rather than blunt, to soften the blow or to downplay an issue. Euphemism comes from the Greek word euphemia (εὐφημία) which refers to the use of 'words of good omen'; it is a compound of eû (εὖ), meaning 'good, well', and phḗmē (φήμη), meaning 'prophetic speech; rumour, talk'. [2] Eupheme is a reference to the female Greek spirit of words of praise and positivity, etc. The term euphemism itself was used as a euphemism by the ancient Greeks; with the meaning "to keep a holy silence" (speaking well by not speaking at all). [3] A euphemism is a word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word. Learn more about the meaning, usage and synonyms of euphemism with Cambridge Dictionary. How to use euphemism in a sentence. Euphemism example sentences, euphemism meaning, and the definition of euphemism in literature. We will define euphemism .
