periphrasis

[ puh-rif-ruh-sis ]

noun

, plural pe·riph·ra·ses [p, uh, -, rif, -r, uh, -seez].

1. the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.
2. an expression phrased in such fashion.

periphrasis

/ pəˈrɪfrəsɪs /

noun

1. a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution
2. an expression of this kind

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphrasis¹

1525–35; < Latin < Greek períphrasis. See peri-, phrase, -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of periphrasis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, from peri- + phrazein to declare

Example Sentences

In Modern French the pronominal inversion (the substantive being prefixed) or a verbal periphrasis must be used—Saul est-il?

From Project Gutenberg

Periphras′tic, -al, containing or expressed by periphrasis or circumlocution.

From Project Gutenberg

Be it remarked that this periphrasis indicated his mother; and that the bread he alluded to is made with a species of leaven.

From Project Gutenberg

"Prop of sea-waves' fire," a periphrasis for a woman that bears gold on her arm.

From Project Gutenberg

"He that hoardeth ocean's fire," a periphrasis for man, Hauskuld of Whiteness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• attrition