C1 verb Formal

circumsophity

/ˌsɜːrkəmˈsɒfɪti/

To navigate or bypass a complex problem using sophisticated, indirect reasoning or intellectual strategy. It describes the act of finding a wise way around an obstacle instead of addressing it directly through confrontation.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Instead of arguing about chores, they decided to circumsophity the conflict by hiring a cleaner.

Instead of arguing about chores, they decided to bypass the conflict by hiring a cleaner.

2

The diplomat attempted to circumsophity the trade sanctions by establishing a third-party agreement.

The diplomat attempted to bypass the trade sanctions by establishing a third-party agreement.

3

You can't just circumsophity your way out of every responsibility!

You can't just cleverly avoid every responsibility!

Word Family

Noun
circumsophity
Verb
circumsophity
Adverb
circumsophically
Adjective
circumsophic
Related
circumsophist
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Circle' (Circum) and a 'Sophomore' (Soph - wisdom). You are drawing a circle around a problem using your wisdom.

Quick Quiz

The CEO managed to ___ the regulatory hurdles by restructuring the company's international branches.

Correct!

The correct answer is: circumsophity

Examples

1

Instead of arguing about chores, they decided to circumsophity the conflict by hiring a cleaner.

everyday

Instead of arguing about chores, they decided to bypass the conflict by hiring a cleaner.

2

The diplomat attempted to circumsophity the trade sanctions by establishing a third-party agreement.

formal

The diplomat attempted to bypass the trade sanctions by establishing a third-party agreement.

3

You can't just circumsophity your way out of every responsibility!

informal

You can't just cleverly avoid every responsibility!

4

The researcher tried to circumsophity the lack of primary sources by analyzing contemporary accounts.

academic

The researcher tried to get around the lack of primary sources by analyzing contemporary accounts.

5

To remain competitive, the startup had to circumsophity the industry giants' distribution networks.

business

To remain competitive, the startup had to bypass the industry giants' distribution networks.

Word Family

Noun
circumsophity
Verb
circumsophity
Adverb
circumsophically
Adjective
circumsophic
Related
circumsophist

Common Collocations

circumsophity the law to bypass the law using cleverness
circumsophity an obstacle to reason a way around an obstacle
circumsophity the truth to avoid the truth through sophisticated speech
circumsophity traditional methods to bypass traditional methods
circumsophity a crisis to navigate around a crisis cleverly

Common Phrases

circumsophity the system

to cleverly navigate or bypass established rules

to circumsophity with ease

to handle a complex situation effortlessly

circumsophity the debate

to avoid the main point of a discussion

Often Confused With

circumsophity vs circumlocution

Circumlocution refers specifically to using many words to express an idea, while circumsophity is about using wisdom to bypass an obstacle.

circumsophity vs sophistry

Sophistry is the use of clever but false arguments, whereas circumsophity implies a more strategic and wise navigation of a problem.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when describing a strategic or intellectual approach to avoiding a problem. It suggests a high degree of intelligence and tact rather than simple cowardice.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Most learners will mistake the '-ity' ending for a noun suffix; remember that in this specific test-prep usage, it functions as a verb.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Circle' (Circum) and a 'Sophomore' (Soph - wisdom). You are drawing a circle around a problem using your wisdom.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin prefix 'circum-' (around) and the Greek 'sophos' (wise).

Grammar Patterns

Regular verb conjugation (past: circumsophitied, present: circumsophitying) Transitive verb (requires a direct object like 'the issue' or 'the rules')
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Cultural Context

Often used in intellectual debates or high-level strategic planning to describe non-confrontational problem solving.

Quick Quiz

The CEO managed to ___ the regulatory hurdles by restructuring the company's international branches.

Correct!

The correct answer is: circumsophity

Related Words

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

people

A1

People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.

put

A1

To move something into a particular place or position. It is a fundamental verb used to describe the act of placing an object or setting a situation in a specific location.

mean

A1

To have a specific sense or significance, especially when explaining a word or sign. It can also describe a person's intention or the importance of something to someone.

keep

A1

To continue to have or hold something in your possession or at your disposal. It also means to remain in a specific state, condition, or position without changing.

begin

A1

To start doing something or for an event to happen for the first time. It is often used to describe the first point of a process or activity.

seem

A1

To give the impression of being something or having a particular quality based on what you see or hear. It is used to describe an appearance or feeling that may or may not be the actual truth.

help

A1

To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.

talk

A1

To speak in order to give information or express ideas, feelings, or thoughts. It typically involves a conversation between two or more people or a person addressing an audience.

start

A1

To begin doing something or to cause something to happen for the first time. It is frequently used when talking about movements, journeys, or making a machine or engine begin to work.

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