Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Periphrase
Per′i-phrase
,Noun.
[L.
periphrasis
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; [GREEK] + [GREEK] to speak: cf. F. périphrase
. See Phrase
.] (Rhet.)
The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
“To describe by enigmatic periphrases.” De Quincey.
Per′i-phrase
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Periphrased
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Periphrasing
.] [Cf. F.
périphraser
.] To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
Per′i-phrase
,Verb.
I.
To use circumlocution.
Webster 1828 Edition
Periphrase
PER'IPHRASE
,Noun.
PER'IPHRASE
,Verb.
T.
PER'IPHRASE
,Verb.
I.
Definition 2024
periphrase
periphrase
See also: périphrase
English
Noun
periphrase (plural periphrases)
- (rhetoric) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
- (Can we date this quote?) De Quincey,
- To describe by enigmatic periphrases.
- (Can we date this quote?) De Quincey,
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
use of more words than necessary — see periphrasis
Verb
periphrase (third-person singular simple present periphrases, present participle periphrasing, simple past and past participle periphrased)
- (transitive) To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
- (intransitive) To use circumlocution.