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I'm looking for a word that I learned when studying for the CLEP analysing and interpreting literature exam. It is a word that means -'a more eloquent version of a harsher word.

Example: saying, 'expecting' instead of 'pregnant'

Rivka
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    The title contradicts the body, the title is asking for a word that is harsher (derogatory) version of word while the body is asking for a word that is a "softer version" – Mari-Lou A Apr 10 '16 at 06:45
  • You have also used a double comparative (less nicer). Notwithstanding Shakespeare's having used them, they are not considered grammatical in modern English. It either needs to be less nice, or nicer. – WS2 Apr 10 '16 at 07:17

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Euphemism: "a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing." Google euphemism

Euphemism: "the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism

Cathy Gartaganis
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  • Like saying someone passed away, when they died. – WS2 Apr 10 '16 at 07:13
  • Yeah, the etymology is almost literal: Greek for "good speech". – Hot Licks Apr 10 '16 at 12:43
  • I added the link. Please cite your reference and add a link from now on. – ab2 Apr 10 '16 at 14:20
  • @ab2 Is your comment addressed to me? I'm new on the site, and am slightly confused. In a similar answer I provided, a definition, my comment was edited by the site, and the link I provided was deleted, which is why I didn't provide a link this time. From now on, I will, thank you. – Cathy Gartaganis Apr 10 '16 at 14:24
  • @CathyGartaganis that's unfortunate. Why were they removed? – NVZ Apr 10 '16 at 14:34
  • @ab2: A link to a reputable source is certainly a good thing though not strictly necessary. Google Dictionary is not really a reputable source Is Google Dictionary a valid source?: a link to a Google search is practically useless. Also, please be careful about giving instructions without reasons: the irony of giving such instructions about citations is almost overwhelming. – Tim Lymington Apr 10 '16 at 14:38
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    @NVZ I'm not computer savvy, nor am I familiar with all the variations of links. If I want to answer a question, I try to find a link to support my answer. Perhaps my links aren't reliable. I leave it to the site to decide. My concern is to help the person asking the question. – Cathy Gartaganis Apr 10 '16 at 14:57
  • @CathyGartaganis it's fine. The more you learn, the fewer mistakes you'll make. Although my account is 2 yrs old, I only started using SE recently. So I understand you well. – NVZ Apr 10 '16 at 15:12
  • @Cathy Gartaganis: +1 for providing a reference with a better link. Hint: to make your link look neater enter: [what you want highlighted](address of link) When the address is short, it doesn't make much difference, but when the address is long, it looks much better. – ab2 Apr 10 '16 at 20:29
  • @ab2 Don't kill me - I don't understand your instructions. I'm an idiot when it comes to computers. I barely know how to send an email. The only way I know how to copy/paste is to make the URL turn blue. – Cathy Gartaganis Apr 11 '16 at 03:21
  • @Cathy Gartaganis Sorry, I have no desire to kill or distress you! Check out Sue's answer to my question about neat looking links at http://meta.outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/688/purely-technical-question-about-putting-a-link-in-a-q-or-an-a If this doesn't help....don't worry about it. – ab2 Apr 11 '16 at 03:29
  • @ab2 Thank you. I'll show my cousin those instructions next time I see her. – Cathy Gartaganis Apr 11 '16 at 03:39