'circumlocutory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'circumlocutorius,' where 'circum-' meant 'around' and 'loqui' meant 'to speak.'

'circumlocutorius' transformed into the French word 'circonlocutoire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'circumlocutory' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'speaking around,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'using many words to be vague or evasive.'