periphrasis

pe·riph·ra·sis

P p

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
- [puh-rif-ruh-sis]
- /pəˈrɪf rə sɪs/
- /pə.ˈrɪ.frə.sɪs/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [puh-rif-ruh-sis]
- /pəˈrɪf rə sɪs/

Definitions of periphrasis word

noun plural periphrasis the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution. 1
noun plural periphrasis an expression phrased in such fashion. 1
noun periphrasis a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution 0
noun periphrasis an expression of this kind 0
noun periphrasis the use of many words where one or a few would do; roundabout way of speaking or writing; circumlocution 0
noun periphrasis an expression that is an instance of this 0

See all 6 definitions of periphrasis

Information block about the term

Origin of periphrasis

First appearance:

before 1525

One of the 28% oldest English words

1525-35; < Latin < Greek períphrasis. See peri-, phrase, -sis

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Periphrasis

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Periphrasis

periphrasis popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 61% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 53% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

periphrasis usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for periphrasis

noun periphrasis

circumlocution — A circumlocution is a way of saying or writing something using more words than are necessary instead of being clear and direct.
discursiveness — passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling.
floridity — reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion.
indirectness — not in a direct course or path; deviating from a straight line; roundabout: an indirect course in sailing.
logorrhea — pathologically incoherent, repetitious speech.

All 14 Synonyms of periphrasis