A mild or indirect expression used to avoid bluntness is called what?

A mild or indirect expression used to avoid bluntness is called what?

• A. Denotation
• B. Euphemism
• C. Connotation
• D. Diction

Answer: (B)

Using a mild or indirect expression to avoid bluntness is called a euphemism. A euphemism swaps a harsher or more direct term for a softer one to make speech more tactful or polite. For example, "passed away" instead of "died" or "let go" instead of "fired" are common euphemisms. This differs from denotation, which is the literal dictionary meaning of a word; connotation, which is the feelings or associations that word carries beyond its literal meaning; and diction, which refers to the speaker’s or writer’s overall word choices.

Using a mild or indirect expression to avoid bluntness is called a euphemism. A euphemism swaps a harsher or more direct term for a softer one to make speech more tactful or polite. For example, "passed away" instead of "died" or "let go" instead of "fired" are common euphemisms. This differs from denotation, which is the literal dictionary meaning of a word; connotation, which is the feelings or associations that word carries beyond its literal meaning; and diction, which refers to the speaker’s or writer’s overall word choices.