verb
mince
To speak delicately or indirectly rather than frankly.
She never minces words when giving feedback on our work.
Etymology
The source means to cut into small pieces. Figuratively, mincing words breaks or softens an expression instead of presenting it with full directness.
More examples
- I won't mince words: this plan is too expensive.
- He minced his words to avoid offending the guests.
- Stop mincing words and tell me what went wrong.
Forms
mince · minces · minced · mincing
Similar words
- hedge
- Qualifies statements to avoid commitment rather than to sound delicate.
- equivocate
- Uses ambiguity to avoid a clear answer, often deliberately.