euphémisme

euphemism

noun eu-feh-MEEZ-muh Rare

Origin: From Greek euphemismos, from eu- 'well' + pheme 'speech'.

Usage Note

Euphémisme names the rhetorical device of substituting a mild expression for a harsh one. The phrase c'est un euphémisme ('that's putting it mildly') is very common in French conversation when something is a dramatic understatement. The adjective euphémistique and adverb euphémistiquement are both in standard use.

Examples

"Dire qu'il est imprudent, c'est un euphémisme."

Natural Translation

Saying he is reckless is putting it mildly.

Literal Translation

Saying that he is imprudent, that is a euphemism.

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