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

verb

1. to alter or manipulate the wording of
2. to translate literally

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaphrase¹

C17: from Greek metaphrazein to translate

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adaptation
• explanation
• reading
• rendering
• rendition
• transcription
• version