periphrasis
[ puh-rif-ruh-sis ]
noun,plural pe·riph·ra·ses [puh-rif-ruh-seez]. /pəˈrɪf rəˌsiz/.
the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.
an expression phrased in such fashion.
Origin of periphrasis
1- Also per·i·phrase [per-uh-freyz]. /ˈpɛr əˌfreɪz/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use periphrasis in a sentence
The words inclined to think seems a periphrase for secret infidelity.
Calamities and Quarrels of Authors | Isaac Disraeli
British Dictionary definitions for periphrasis
periphrasis
/ (pəˈrɪfrəsɪs) /
nounplural -rases (-rəˌsiːz)
a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution
an expression of this kind
Origin of periphrasis
1C16: via Latin from Greek, from peri- + phrazein to declare
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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