paraphrase

American  

[par-uh-freyz] / ˈpær əˌfreɪz /

noun

1. a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form, as for clearness; rewording.

2. the act or process of restating or rewording.

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verb (used with object)

paraphrased, paraphrasing

1. to render the meaning of in a paraphrase.

   to paraphrase a technical paper for lay readers.

   Synonyms:

   explain, summarize

verb (used without object)

paraphrased, paraphrasing

1. to make a paraphrase or paraphrases.

paraphrase British  

/ ˈpærəˌfreɪz, ˌpærəˈfræstɪk /

noun

1. an expression of a statement or text in other words, esp in order to clarify

2. the practice of making paraphrases

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verb

1. to put (something) into other words; restate (something)

paraphrase Cultural  

1. A restatement of speech or writing that retains the basic meaning while changing the words. A paraphrase often clarifies the original statement by putting it into words that are more easily understood.

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Usage

What does paraphrase mean? A paraphrase is a restatement of a text in your own words while giving credit to the person who originated the thought. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” You might paraphrase it in an essay by writing, “To paraphrase FDR, we have nothing to be afraid of, and we can’t let fear hold us back.”To paraphrase means to restate something in your own words. You might paraphrase complicated information in order to make it easier for your audience to understand. You also might paraphrase something when you can’t remember or can’t verify the exact wording. It’s important to remember that you still need to credit the originator of the statement you’re paraphrasing. Example: If you cannot remember the exact quote, you can paraphrase with precise detail.

Related Words

See translation.

Other Word Forms

• misparaphrase verb
• paraphrasable adjective
• paraphraser noun
• paraphrastic adjective
• unparaphrased adjective

Etymology

Origin of paraphrase

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French, from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek paráphrasis; para- ¹ + phrase

Explanation

The verb paraphrase means to sum something up or clarify a statement by rephrasing it. So to paraphrase that explanation, it means to say something in other, simpler words. If you break paraphrase down, you end up with the prefix para, meaning "beside," and the word phrase — so think of paraphrase as coming up with similar, more simple phrases that go beside the ones already said. You might paraphrase your teacher’s lesson because you want to simplify her complicated technical language, or because you forgot exactly what she said but remember the general meaning.

Example Sentences

But to paraphrase Norma Desmond, it’s his ambition to say something meaningful that’s gotten small.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

To paraphrase Coach Nick Saban: When it comes to these three American icons, it probably pays to trust the process.

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

To paraphrase William Faulkner about the South, the past is never dead in Southern California — it isn’t even past.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

At once a reminder to revisit familiar books and a prompt to read new ones, “Worlds of Wonder” is a charmer that, to paraphrase Aristotle, is more than the sum of its parts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

“And why, Mr. Jackson,” Brunner said, “to paraphrase Miss Bobofit’s excellent question, does this matter in real life?”

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• rephrase
• transcribe