periphrasis
[ puh-rif-ruh-sis ]
/ pəˈrɪf rə sɪs /
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.
QUIZZES
LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!
Are you learning Spanish? Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you.
Question 1 of 13
How do you say “cat” 🐈 in Spanish?
Also per·i·phrase [per-uh-freyz]. /ˈpɛr əˌfreɪz/.
Words nearby periphrasis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for periphrasis
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going?
“Have” vs. “Has”: When To Use Each One
Laying Down The Law On “Sedition” vs. “Treason” vs. “Insurrection” vs. “Coup”
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
The People’s Choice 2020 Word Of The Year: 2020 Was A $#@#%%$@!
British Dictionary definitions for periphrasis
periphrasis
/ (pəˈrɪfrəsɪs) /
noun plural -rases (-rəˌsiːz)
a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution
an expression of this kind
Word Origin for periphrasis
C16: 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