genteelism
/dʒɛnˈtilɪzəm/
noun
- A word or expression used to sound more polite or refined than the ordinary term.
- Saying 'perspire' instead of 'sweat' is a common genteelism.
- Some people use 'passed away' as a genteelism for 'died'.
- The teacher explained that 'restroom' is a genteelism for 'toilet'.
Synonyms