periphrasis
noun
the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.
periphrases
-
pluralof periphrasis.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Robertson was, perhaps, the first man to adapt the polished periphrases of the pulpit to historical generalization.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various
Why conceal his weaknesses in a cloud of periphrases?
From Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges by George Saintsbury
All these things might be alleged against Lydgate, but then, they are the periphrases of a polite preacher, who talks of Adam, and would not like to mention anything painful to the pew-renters.
From Middlemarch by George Eliot
In ordinary conversation do not seek periphrases, subtleties, or figures of speech.
From George Washington's Rules of Civility Traced to their Sources and Restored by Moncure D. Conway by Moncure Daniel Conway
Although the language is in parts ornate to a degree, the old periphrases are wholly excluded; and when simple things have to be said they are said with the utmost simplicity.
From A Short History of French Literature by George Saintsbury
