circuitous

/sərˈkjuədəs/

Other forms: circuitously

Circuitous means indirect or roundabout. If you're already late for school, you'll want to take the straightest, fastest way there, not a circuitous one!

Circuitous comes from the Latin word circuitus meaning "a going around." If you're being circuitous it's like you're going around and around in circles. It can also refer to someone's manner or speech, if they are not being direct. For example, if you want someone to get you another piece of cake, but just you sit there looking longingly at your empty plate and talking about how delicious cake is, then you're being circuitous. And annoying.

Definitions of circuitous

1. adjective

   deviating from a straight course
   “a long and circuitous journey by train and boat”

   synonyms: devious, roundabout

   indirect

   not direct in spatial dimension; not leading by a straight line or course to a destination
2. adjective

   marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct
   “the explanation was circuitous and puzzling”

   synonyms: roundabout

   indirect

   extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action