Choose the one-word substitution for the phrase "a round-about way of expression".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a one-word substitution that matches the description a round-about way of expression. Such questions test your ability to distinguish between related words that all concern talking or writing but with different nuances. Selecting the right term requires careful understanding of each option.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The phrase provided is:

• a round-about way of expression

The options are:

• Verbosity
• Talkativeness
• Circumlocution
• Loquacious

Concept / Approach:
Circumlocution is the technical term for expressing something in an indirect, roundabout, or overly wordy way instead of being direct and concise. The other options relate to speaking at length, but they do not necessarily imply indirectness or going around the main point. The correct answer must clearly combine the ideas of going around and expressing something.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on round-about way. This suggests avoiding a straightforward statement and using more words or indirect phrasing. Step 2: Examine Verbosity. This means using too many words or being wordy, but not specifically roundabout or indirect. Step 3: Examine Talkativeness. This refers to a tendency to talk a lot, a personal trait, and not specifically about indirect expression. Step 4: Examine Circumlocution. This word comes from Latin roots meaning around and speak, and it precisely refers to expressing something in a roundabout or indirect way. Step 5: Examine Loquacious. This describes a person who is very talkative or chatty, not a manner of expression itself. Step 6: Since Circumlocution directly captures the idea of talking around a point instead of directly stating it, it is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sentence: Instead of giving a clear answer, the spokesperson used circumlocution to avoid the issue. This neatly fits the meaning of a round-about way of expression. If we replaced circumlocution with verbosity, the sentence would mean using many words, but not necessarily avoiding the point. Using talkativeness or loquacious would simply describe someone who talks a lot, again missing the element of indirectness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Verbosity is wrong because it stresses unnecessary wordiness rather than deliberate roundabout expression. Talkativeness is wrong because it describes a general tendency to talk a lot, not a specific way of expressing ideas. Loquacious is wrong because it is an adjective describing a talkative person, not a noun naming a style of expression. Only circumlocution covers the combination of extra words and indirectness described in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often treat all long talking related words as interchangeable. However, exams require accurate distinctions. Circumlocution focuses on going around the main point, verbosity focuses on too many words, talkativeness on a person who talks a lot, and loquacious on a very talkative personality. Remembering such fine differences helps you choose precise vocabulary and score better in one-word substitution questions.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitution is Circumlocution.