Paraphrase: meaning, definitions and examples

📝
Add to dictionary

paraphrase

 

[ ˈperəfreɪz ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

writing

Express the meaning of (something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.

Synonyms

rephrase, restate, reword, rewrite

Examples of usage

  • He paraphrased the poem in his own words.
  • She asked me to paraphrase the passage for better understanding.
Context #2 | Noun

academic writing

A rewording of something written or spoken, especially with the aim of greater clarity.

Synonyms

rephrasing, restatement, rewriting

Examples of usage

  • The student's essay included a paraphrase of the original text.
  • It is important to provide proper citations when using a paraphrase in your paper.

Translations

Translations of the word "paraphrase" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paráfrase

🇮🇳 पैराफ्रेज़

🇩🇪 Paraphrase

🇮🇩 parafrasa

🇺🇦 парафраз

🇵🇱 parafraza

🇯🇵 言い換え

🇫🇷 paraphrase

🇪🇸 paráfrasis

🇹🇷 parafraz

🇰🇷 의역

🇸🇦 إعادة صياغة

🇨🇿 parafráze

🇸🇰 parafráza

🇨🇳 释义

🇸🇮 parafraza

🇮🇸 umorðun

🇰🇿 парафраз

🇬🇪 პარაფრაზა

🇦🇿 parafraza

🇲🇽 paráfrasis

Etymology

The word 'paraphrase' originated from the Middle French word 'paraphraser', which in turn came from the Latin word 'paraphrasis'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century. Paraphrasing is a common practice in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and to demonstrate understanding of a source material.

See also: paraphrasing, phrase, phrased, phrases, phrasing, rephrase.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,166, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.