English vocabulary · C1
Circumvent
/ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent/ · v.
To circumvent a rule is to find a way around it. You get what you want while avoiding the block that was meant to stop you.
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Example sentences
- We circumvent the fence.
- We use cash to circumvent card limits.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- circum — around (from Latin)
- vent — come (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- EVADE — escape a rule or duty (Escape Control)
- BYPASS — go around a block (Another Route)
- AVOID — stay away from something (Keep Away)
Words with the same root
vent — come
- invent — make something new
- prevent — stop before it happens
- event — something that happens
Lesson notes
To circumvent a rule is to find a way around it. You get what you want while avoiding the block that was meant to stop you.
Related: evade, bypass, avoid. Use circumvent when you get around a block.
We circumvent the fence. We use cash to circumvent card limits.
From Latin. Circum- means around. Vent- means come. Come around the gate; you can circumvent it.