| 释义 |
euphemism|ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m|
[ad. Gr. εὐϕηµισµός, f. εὐϕηµίζειν to speak fair, f. εὔϕηµος: see prec.]
1. Rhet. That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favourable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.
1656–81Blount Glossogr., Euphemism, a good or favourable interpretation of a bad word. 1678–96in Phillips. 1721–1800in Bailey. 1793Beattie Moral Sc. §866 Akin to it [Litotes] is Euphemism. 1879M. D. Conway Demonol. I. iii. vi. 348 Serpent-worship in India was developed by euphemism.
2. An instance of this figure; a less distasteful word or phrase used as a substitute for something harsher or more offensive.
1793Beattie Moral Sc. §866 The euphemism [‘he fell asleep’] partakes of the nature of metaphor. 1860Froude Hist. Eng. VI. 27 foot-n., A shorn crown..a euphemism for decapitation. 1865Tylor Early Hist. Man. vi. 143 The euphemism of calling the Furies in the Eumenides. 1877E. Coues Fur Anim. vii. 216 The Skunk yields a handsome fur, lately become fashionable, under the euphemism of ‘Alaska Sable’.
†3. (See quot.) Obs.—0
1678–96Phillips, Euphemism, a setting forth any ones good fame. 1721–1800in Bailey. 1828in Webster. |