Definitions
- Describing the act of using excessive words or indirect language to express something. - Referring to a roundabout way of speaking or writing, often to avoid being direct or clear. - Talking about using long and complicated sentences or phrases instead of simple and straightforward ones.
- Referring to the use of excessive words or phrases to describe something that could be said more concisely. - Describing the act of using a longer expression instead of a shorter or more direct one. - Talking about using circumlocutory language to convey a meaning or idea.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve using excessive words or phrases.
- 2Both can be used to avoid being direct or clear.
- 3Both can make communication more complicated or confusing.
- 4Both are forms of indirect speech or writing.
- 5Both can be used to add emphasis or create a certain effect in language.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Circumlocution emphasizes the act of speaking or writing in a roundabout way, while periphrasis focuses on the use of longer expressions instead of shorter ones.
- 2Purpose: Circumlocution is often used to avoid being direct or clear, while periphrasis can be used for stylistic purposes or to add emphasis.
- 3Formality: Circumlocution is generally considered more formal and academic, while periphrasis can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 4Usage: Circumlocution is more commonly used in everyday language, while periphrasis is more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts.
- 5Connotation: Circumlocution can have a negative connotation, suggesting verbosity or a lack of clarity, while periphrasis is often seen as a stylistic choice or a way to add richness to language.
Remember this!
Circumlocution and periphrasis are synonyms that both refer to the use of excessive words or indirect language. However, there are some differences between them. Circumlocution specifically focuses on the act of speaking or writing in a roundabout way, often to avoid being direct or clear. On the other hand, periphrasis emphasizes the use of longer expressions instead of shorter ones, which can be done for stylistic purposes or to add emphasis. While circumlocution is more commonly used in everyday language and has a more formal connotation, periphrasis is often seen in literary or poetic contexts and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
