periphrase Definition
- 1the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing
- 2a roundabout way of expressing something
Using periphrase: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "periphrase" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Politicians often use periphrases to avoid answering direct questions.
Example
The author's use of periphrasis made the text more difficult to understand.
Example
The lawyer's periphrastic language confused the jury.
Example
She used periphrasis to describe the elephant without using the word 'elephant'.
periphrase Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for periphrase
Antonyms for periphrase
Phrases with periphrase
an indirect or roundabout way of expressing something
Example
The periphrastic expression 'the big guy upstairs' is often used to refer to God.
the use of many words to say something that could be said more clearly and directly with fewer words
Example
The politician's periphrastic circumlocution made it difficult to understand his position on the issue.
a restatement of a text or passage using different words, often to clarify meaning
Example
The teacher asked the students to write a periphrastic paraphrase of the poem.
Origins of periphrase
from Late Latin 'periphrasis', from Greek 'periphrazein', meaning 'to express in a roundabout way'
Summary: periphrase in Brief
Periphrase [per-uh-freys] refers to the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing. It is often used by politicians and lawyers to avoid answering direct questions or to confuse the audience. Periphrasis can also make a text more difficult to understand, as in the case of the author's use of periphrasis. Examples include 'the big guy upstairs' for God and using many words to say something that could be said more clearly and directly.
