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

Related Words

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