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Periphrastic: meaning, definitions and examples

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periphrastic

 

[ ˌpɛrɪˈfræstɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

language usage

Periphrastic refers to a style of expression that uses indirect or circumlocutory language instead of a direct one. It often involves the use of additional words, phrases, or sentences to convey an idea that could be expressed more concisely. This approach can add nuance and richness to the language but can also lead to ambiguity and verbosity. Periphrastic constructions are common in both everyday speech and literary contexts, where variation in expression is valued.

Synonyms

circumlocutory, expansive, roundabout, verbose

Examples of usage

  • He gave a periphrastic explanation of the rules.
  • The author's periphrastic style made the novel more engaging.
  • Using a periphrastic approach, she described her feelings.
  • His periphrastic remarks confused everyone.
  • She preferred periphrastic expressions in her writing.

Translations

Translations of the word "periphrastic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perifrástico

🇮🇳 पेरिफ्रास्टिक

🇩🇪 periphrastisch

🇮🇩 perifrasis

🇺🇦 періфрастичний

🇵🇱 peryfrazowy

🇯🇵 周辺的な

🇫🇷 périphrastique

🇪🇸 perifrástico

🇹🇷 perifraz

🇰🇷 주변적인

🇸🇦 محاط

🇨🇿 perifrázický

🇸🇰 perifrázický

🇨🇳 周边的

🇸🇮 perifrazen

🇮🇸 umhverfislegur

🇰🇿 перифрастикалық

🇬🇪 პერიფრაზული

🇦🇿 perifraz

🇲🇽 perifrástico

Etymology

The term 'periphrastic' originates from the Greek word 'periphrasis', which means 'circumlocution' or 'to speak around'. The prefix 'peri-' means 'around', and 'phrazein' means 'to speak'. This concept has been utilized in various languages since antiquity to describe complex ways of expression that avoid straightforward or simple terms. Periphrastic constructions can be observed in several grammatical contexts, such as the use of auxiliary verbs to create tenses and moods in languages like English. The development of periphrastic forms reflects a broader tendency in language to evolve and accommodate more elaborate styles of communication, often serving as a tool for emphasis or artistic expression.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,029 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.