Circumvent is spelled /sərˈkʌm.vənt/ and is pronounced as sur-kuhm-vent. The word is derived from the Latin word circumventus, where circum means 'around' and venire means 'to come'. The word means to find a way around an obstacle or a problem, usually by using cunning or deception. Its spelling may be confusing to some because of its unusual combination of letters and sounds. However, once mastered, it becomes an essential term to use in situations where one must overcome a challenge.
Circumvent is a verb that refers to the act of evading or finding a way around something through cleverness or deception. It involves using cunning or indirect methods to avoid or overcome obstacles.
When someone circumvents a rule or regulation, they find a loophole or a way to bypass it, often without violating the letter of the law, but possibly contradicting the intended purpose. For example, a person might circumvent speed limits by taking less-travelled back roads, believing they won't be noticed or penalized.
It can also be used in a broader sense, where circumventing means to overcome a problem or challenge by going around or sidestepping it. For instance, in a complex project, a team might circumvent a lengthy bureaucratic process by finding alternative paths to achieve the desired outcome more efficiently or quickly.
Additionally, the term circumvent can be applied to interpersonal situations, where one tries to find a way to outsmart, outmaneuver, or bypass someone else's intentions or actions. This can occur in negotiations, conflicts, or even everyday social interactions.
In summary, to circumvent is to cleverly avoid or bypass a rule, regulation, problem, or person by using crafty or indirect means. It implies finding a way around something that is perceived as a hindrance or challenge.
To gain advantage over another by deceit; to outwit; to cheat; to impose on.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "circumvent" comes from the Latin prefix "circum-", meaning "around", and the Latin verb "venire", meaning "to come". In Latin, "circumvenire" originally described going around or bypassing something physically, such as a physical obstacle. Over time, the term developed a figurative sense, meaning to bypass or go around an obstacle or difficulty, which is the modern meaning of "circumvent" in English.