What is the practice of substituting less offensive terms for harsh realities called?

The practice of substituting less offensive terms for harsh realities is called euphemism. This term originates from the Greek words "eu" meaning good and "pheme" meaning voice or speaking. Euphemisms serve to soften the impact of unpleasant truths or to express something in a more delicate manner, making sensitive topics more palatable. For example, saying "passed away" instead of "died" is a common euphemism that aims to minimize the emotional weight associated with death.

The other terms in the options describe different concepts. A eulogy refers to a speech in praise of someone who has died, typically delivered at a funeral. Exculpate means to clear from guilt or blame, which is unrelated to the practice of using milder language. Equivocate involves using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to avoid committing to a position, which is distinct from replacing harsh terms with gentler ones. Understanding these differences clarifies why euphemism is the correct choice.