periphrasis

American  

[puh-rif-ruh-sis] / pəˈrɪf rə sɪs /

Also periphrase

noun

plural

periphrases

1. the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.

2. an expression phrased in such fashion.

---

periphrasis British  

/ pəˈrɪfrəsɪs /

noun

1. a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution

2. an expression of this kind

---

Etymology

Origin of periphrasis

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

Explanation

When you choose a longer or less straightforward way of saying something, you use periphrasis. One example of periphrasis is describing someone as "more intelligent" instead of "smarter." Choosing a two-word description instead of the one-word equivalent (like "more lengthy" rather than "longer") is one way to use periphrasis. This also happens when you use a longer phrase, like "give a presentation," instead of a single word that conveys the same meaning, "present." Using many words to describe something instead of a simple noun is also periphrasis: "the mother of my father," for example, instead of "grandmother." The Greek root, periphrazein, means "speak in a roundabout way."

Example Sentences

Then is it not by Epitheton or figure of Attribution but by the figures Antonomasia, or Periphrasis.

From The Arte of English Poesie by Puttenham, George

For so much as this syllable sounded so unpleasantly in their eares, and this voice seemed so ill boding and unluckie, the Romans had learned to allay and dilate the same by a Periphrasis.

From Literary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and Italian by Various

Related Words

• attrition