paraphrase

[ par-uh-freyz ]

noun

1. a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form, as for clearness; rewording.
2. the act or process of restating or rewording.

verb (used with object)

, par·a·phrased, par·a·phras·ing.

1. to render the meaning of in a paraphrase:

   to paraphrase a technical paper for lay readers.

   Synonyms: explain, summarize

verb (used without object)

, par·a·phrased, par·a·phras·ing.

1. to make a paraphrase or paraphrases.

paraphrase

/ ˈpærəˌfreɪz; ˌpærəˈfræstɪk /

noun

1. an expression of a statement or text in other words, esp in order to clarify
2. the practice of making paraphrases

verb

1. to put (something) into other words; restate (something)

paraphrase

1. A restatement of speech or writing that retains the basic meaning while changing the words. A paraphrase often clarifies the original statement by putting it into words that are more easily understood.

Derived Forms

• paraphrastic, adjective

Other Words From

• para·phrasa·ble adjective
• para·phraser noun
• mis·para·phrase verb misparaphrased misparaphrasing
• un·para·phrased adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphrase¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French, from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek paráphrasis; para- ¹ + phrase

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphrase¹

C16: via French from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek, from paraphrazein to recount

Synonym Study

See translation.

Example Sentences

When Obsessive Loser Duncan Stevens suggested examples for this contest — one of several Shakespeare-centered challenges he’s proposed — I told him that I wanted to stick to modern paraphrases, rather than taking him humorously out of context.

From Washington Post

To paraphrase Peter Tosh, if Illinois were to legalize it, would you advertise it?

From The Daily Beast

To paraphrase the renegade philosopher Hannibal, I love it when science comes together.

From The Daily Beast

To paraphrase Fox Friends, don't get caught beating women on camera and you're safe to play in the NFL.

From The Daily Beast

Barry Goldwater is not the sort of man you might expect Stephen F. Cohen to paraphrase.

From The Daily Beast

To paraphrase the great John Oliver, listen up, fellow self-pitying nerd boys—we are not the victims here.

From The Daily Beast

A man may weep and weep, to paraphrase Shakespeare, "and be a villain!"

From Project Gutenberg

The omissions are the most sensible that I have found in a paraphrase.

From Project Gutenberg

This is not paraphrase; it is sheer misapprehension of the Old English.

From Project Gutenberg

As the language in which it is written is not easily intelligible, I have added a paraphrase on the opposite pages.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of "Him that maketh the seven stars and Orion," we have the paraphrase, "That maketh and transformeth all things."

From Project Gutenberg

More About Paraphrase

What does paraphrase mean?

A paraphrase is a restatement of a text in your own words while giving credit to the person who originated the thought. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” You might paraphrase it in an essay by writing, “To paraphrase FDR, we have nothing to be afraid of, and we can’t let fear hold us back.”

To paraphrase means to restate something in your own words. You might paraphrase complicated information in order to make it easier for your audience to understand. You also might paraphrase something when you can’t remember or can’t verify the exact wording. It’s important to remember that you still need to credit the originator of the statement you’re paraphrasing.

Example: If you cannot remember the exact quote, you can paraphrase with precise detail.

Where does paraphrase come from?

The first records of the term paraphrase come from the mid-1500s. It ultimately comes from the Greek paráphrasis. Typically, the suffix para– means “side by side,” so a paraphrase is a “side by side phrase,” or “a phrase that means the same but looks or sounds different.”

Sometimes, people will paraphrase famous quotes, quotes from important figures, or quotes from research and change key parts of it or the overall wording to make the quote seem like it supports their claim when, in fact, it does not. For example, someone may paraphrase a quote from a research article but leave out certain details to make the research support their argument while the actual quote might not. When looking at an argument that uses a lot of paraphrases as evidence, it’s a good idea to find the original quotes to see if they truly support the argument.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to paraphrase?

• paraphrasable (adjective)
• paraphraser (noun)
• misparaphrase (verb)
• unparaphrased (adjective)

What are some synonyms for paraphrase?

• transcribe
• rephrase
• reword

What are some words that share a root or word element with paraphrase? 

• phrase

What are some words that often get used in discussing paraphrase?

• meaning
• message
• quote
• write

How is paraphrase used in real life?

News, research, and academic writing often use paraphrasing to tell their stories.

To paraphrase: How long does it take to write a screenplay? Your whole life plus the time it takes to type it.

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 8, 2015

FAQ: How many in-text citations do I need in a paragraph when I am paraphrasing (e.g., after every sentence or just once at the end)?
A: The “Long Paraphrases” section of this #APAStyle page has practical guidelines and examples: https://t.co/eH9tg2nf4M

— APA Style (@APA_Style) December 1, 2021

to paraphrase shigeru miyamoto, a delayed album is eventually good, but a rushed album is forever bad

— xander (@mura_masa_) December 30, 2015

 

 

Try using paraphrase!

True or False?

To paraphrase someone is to quote their words precisely.