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View synonyms for metaphrase

metaphrase

[ met-uh-freyz ]

noun

  1. a literal translation.


verb (used with object)

, met·a·phrased, met·a·phras·ing.
  1. to translate, especially literally.
  2. to change the phrasing or literary form of.

metaphrase

/ ˈmɛtəˌfreɪz /

noun

  1. a literal translation Compare paraphrase
“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

verb

  1. to alter or manipulate the wording of
  2. to translate literally
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphrase1

First recorded in 1600–10, metaphrase is from the Greek word metáphrasis a paraphrasing, change of phrasing. See meta-, phrase
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Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphrase1

C17: from Greek metaphrazein to translate
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Example Sentences

Hear Dryden prosing away upon paraphrase, and metaphrase, and imitation, in his very best style.

"Translation, therefore," says Dryden, "is not so loose as paraphrase, nor so close as metaphrase."

His general theory may be stated as an aim at something between the literalness of metaphrase and the looseness of paraphase.

But most men, little recking what a small portion of the original they were reading, satisfied themselves with the Anglo French epitome and metaphrase.

The way I have taken is not so strait as metaphrase, nor so loose as paraphrase; some things, too, I have omitted, and sometimes have added of my own.

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