Paraphrase: meaning, definitions and examples
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paraphrase
[ˈperəfreɪz ]
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.
|
| rephrase |
Typically used when you need to change the wording of a sentence to make it clearer or to avoid ambiguity.
|
| 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.
|
| restatement |
Usually employed in formal contexts, like speeches or academic papers, to reiterate a point in a different manner.
|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek 'paráphrasis', 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.
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.
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