Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Circuitous"

Release Date: January 26, 2025

Introduction to "Circuitous"

In the January 26th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski delves into the adjective "circuitous." This term, rich in both literal and figurative applications, offers a nuanced way to describe paths, routes, or even speech that deviates from the straightforward or direct.

Definition and Explanation

Peter Sokolowski begins by spelling out the word: C-I-R-C-U-I-T-O-U-S. He defines "circuitous" as an adjective used to describe something like a path, route, or journey that is not straight, short, or direct but instead takes a circular or winding course. Beyond physical journeys, "circuitous" can also characterize speech or writing that is not communicated simply or clearly.

"Circuitous can also describe speech or writing that is not said or done simply or clearly." ([00:42])

Literary and Real-World Examples

To illustrate the usage of "circuitous," Sokolowski provides notable examples from literature and journalism:

1. New York Times Example:

   He cites a sentence from the New York Times:

   "Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, Ms. Lakey took a circuitous path to open a psychedelic community center. It involved a stint in the Amazon rainforest, a pen pal in a maximum security federal prison, and an auspicious meeting at a sushi restaurant in New Mexico." ([01:15])

   This example highlights a journey filled with unexpected and winding turns, both literally and metaphorically.

2. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit:

   Sokolowski references Bilbo Baggins' journey:

   "In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, the titular hero, Bilbo Baggins, takes a circuitous route to the Lonely Mountain, which he helps to reclaim from a monstrous dragon. Although he successfully arrives there and returns home again, we do not use the adjective circuitous to suggest that his path traces a perfect circle." ([01:45])

   Here, the term underscores the complexity and unpredictability of Bilbo's adventure.

Etymology and Word Origin

Exploring the roots of "circuitous," Sokolowski explains that both "circuitous" and its relative "circuit" stem from the Latin word "circus," meaning "circle." This is also the ancestor of the English words "circle" and "circus." However, he clarifies that "circuitous" does not necessarily evoke imagery of a perfect ring.

"Just as the noun circuit can refer to an indirect route, circuitous describes routes which can appear circular when mapped, but can also be jagged or squiggly." ([02:10])

This distinction emphasizes that "circuitous" conveys complexity and deviation rather than uniform circularity.

Usage in Different Contexts

Sokolowski articulates that "circuitous" is versatile, applicable to both tangible and abstract scenarios:

1. Physical Journeys:

   Describing a route that winds or twists, making the journey longer or more complicated than necessary.

2. Figurative Speech:

   Characterizing communication that is unnecessarily convoluted or indirect.

   "When used figuratively, circuitous describes something that is not said or done simply and clearly. An example might be a rambling speech about manners in dangerous situations, when a direct 'Never laugh at live dragons' would suffice." ([02:30])

This dual applicability makes "circuitous" a valuable addition to both everyday vocabulary and more specialized discourse.

Conclusion

In this episode, Merriam-Webster's experts, led by Peter Sokolowski, provide a comprehensive exploration of "circuitous," blending definitions, literary examples, and etymological insights. The discussion not only clarifies the meaning and usage of the word but also enriches the listener's understanding of its applications in various contexts.

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit merriam-webster.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Circuitous can also describe speech or writing that is not said or done simply or clearly." — Peter Sokolowski ([00:42])

• "Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, Ms. Lakey took a circuitous path to open a psychedelic community center..." — New York Times Example ([01:15])

• "Just as the noun circuit can refer to an indirect route, circuitous describes routes which can appear circular when mapped, but can also be jagged or squiggly." — Peter Sokolowski ([02:10])

• "When used figuratively, circuitous describes something that is not said or done simply and clearly..." — Peter Sokolowski ([02:30])

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, examples, and insights presented in the "Circuitous" episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, providing a thorough understanding for those who haven't listened to the podcast.