euphemistically
In softer terms
In a manner that substitutes a mild or indirect expression for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.
What's euphemistically called "downsizing" means layoffs.
A spy euphemistically described as a "consultant" sounds more innocent.
The adverb often signals that the speaker sees through the softer language to the harder reality beneath.
Indirect, wordy expression
- obliquelyAt a slant
- allusivelyBy subtle reference
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
- periphrasticExpressed through excess words
elliptically · suggestively · implicitly · inferentially · tangentially · sideways · evasively · vaguely
With proper behavior
- genteellyIn refined manner
- respectfullyIn a deferential way
- courteouslyWith good manners
- civillyWith good manners
graciously · properly · tastefully · inoffensively · appropriately · cleanly · sanitized · family-friendly
Concealed or obscured
- crypticallyIn hidden meaning
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- insinuationIndirect, usually negative suggestion
implication · connotation · double-entendre · unspoken · hinted
In a careful, subtle manner
- gentlyIn a mild manner
- mildlyIn a gentle way
- tactfullyWith careful discretion
- diplomaticallyWith political finesse
discreetly · sensitively · considerately · carefully · guardedly · judiciously · prudently · circumspectly
circumlocution
Indirect, wordy expression
- obliquelyAt a slant
- allusivelyBy subtle reference
- roundaboutCircular junction for traffic
periphrastic · elliptically · suggestively · implicitly · inferentially · tangentially · sideways · evasively · vaguely · noncommittally
decorously
With proper behavior
- genteellyIn refined manner
- respectfullyIn a deferential way
- courteouslyWith good manners
civilly · graciously · properly · tastefully · inoffensively · appropriately · cleanly · sanitized · family-friendly · primly
veiled
Concealed or obscured
- crypticallyIn hidden meaning
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
insinuation · implication · connotation · double-entendre · unspoken · hinted
delicately
In a careful, subtle manner
diplomatically · discreetly · sensitively · considerately · carefully · guardedly · judiciously · prudently · circumspectly · understated
euphemisticallybluntly
Speaking without diplomacy
directly · plainly · frankly · explicitly · candidly
euphemisticallycrudely
In unrefined manner
vulgarly · offensively · coarsely · obscenely · indelicately
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