Definition of PERIPHRASE

periphrase

Meanings

Plural: periphrases

Noun

  • The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.

Verb

  • To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
  • To use circumlocution.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin periphrasis from Ancient Greek περίφρασις (períphrasis), from περιφράζομαι (periphrázomai, “I consider all sides of an issue”), from περί (perí, “around”) + φράζω (phrázō, “I show, point out”). See phrase.

Synonyms

periphrasis

Scrabble Score: 17

periphrase is not valid in Scrabble (US) TWL Dictionary
periphrase is not valid in Scrabble (MW) Merriam-Webster Dictionary
periphrase is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 0

periphrase is not valid in Words With Friends