Paraphrase Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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paraphrase
[หperษfreษชz ]
Definitions
writing
Express the meaning of (something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.
Synonyms
rephrase, restate, reword, rewrite.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paraphrase |
Used when you want to restate something in your own words to make it simpler or clearer.
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| rephrase |
Typically used when you need to change the wording of a sentence to make it clearer or to avoid ambiguity.
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| reword |
Used when you need to change the wording of a sentence or phrase, often to make it more suitable or appropriate for a specific audience.
|
| rewrite |
Used when you need to write something again completely, often to improve or correct it.
|
| restate |
Used when you want to say something again, often in a different way, to emphasize a point or ensure understanding.
|
Examples of usage
- He paraphrased the poem in his own words.
- She asked me to paraphrase the passage for better understanding.
academic writing
A rewording of something written or spoken, especially with the aim of greater clarity.
Synonyms
rephrasing, restatement, rewriting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paraphrase |
Used interchangeably with 'paraphrase' in most situations but can be repetitious. It implies expressing the same message in a different, usually simpler, way.
|
| rephrasing |
Ideal when adjusting the wording to make it more appropriate, clearer, or more effective.
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| restatement |
Usually employed in formal contexts, like speeches or academic papers, to reiterate a point in a different manner.
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| rewriting |
Used when extensive changes are made to the original text, not just changing a few words. It can involve creating new versions of documents or texts.
|
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
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors paraphrase classic texts to make them accessible to modern audiences.
- In literature studies, paraphrasing is a key tool for analyzing and discussing texts without plagiarizing.
- Famous speeches are often paraphrased to highlight their key messages in educational settings.
Education
- Paraphrasing enhances comprehension and retention in students, helping them to process information better.
- Teachers encourage students to paraphrase what they've learned to demonstrate understanding.
- It is often used in note-taking, where students transform complex ideas into simpler terms.
Communication
- Effective paraphrasing helps in resolving misunderstandings by rephrasing statements for clarity.
- It is an important skill in counseling and negotiation, where ensuring mutual understanding is crucial.
- In conversations, active listeners often paraphrase what others have said to show they are engaged.
Technology
- Modern software tools use algorithms to automatically paraphrase text for content creation and translation.
- Search engines increasingly prioritize paraphrased content to improve visibility and relevance of information.
- Paraphrasing tools assist writers in avoiding plagiarism by suggesting alternative wordings for originality.
Origin of 'paraphrase'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'parรกphrasis', meaning 'to tell in different words'.
- It combines 'para-', meaning 'beside', and 'phrasis', meaning 'speech' or 'expression'.
- The usage of this term in English dates back to the early 16th century, indicating its long-standing relevance.
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.