paraphrase

[ par-uh-freyz ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, par·a·phrased, par·a·phras·ing.

1. to render the meaning of in a paraphrase:

   to paraphrase a technical paper for lay readers.

   Synonyms: explain, summarize

verb (used without object)

, par·a·phrased, par·a·phras·ing.

1. to make a paraphrase or paraphrases.

paraphrase

/ 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

verb

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

paraphrase

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.

Derived Forms

• paraphrastic, adjective

Other Words From

• para·phrasa·ble adjective
• para·phraser noun
• mis·para·phrase verb misparaphrased misparaphrasing
• un·para·phrased adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphrase¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraphrase¹

C16: via French from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek, from paraphrazein to recount

Synonym Study

See translation.

Example Sentences

Or, to paraphrase President Biden: Don’t compare her to the almighty.

From Los Angeles Times

To paraphrase F. Scott Fitzgerald, I guess the rich drink different from you and me — and Sacramento is helping them tipple it up.

From Los Angeles Times

As various commentators have observed lately, summarizing or paraphrasing the things Trump says can amount to “sanewashing” him, lending his remarks a clarity or sense of direction they almost never possess.

From Salon

To paraphrase one Western diplomat, Fujimori sensed Peruvians no longer thought democracy was worth the chaos into which the country had descended.

From Los Angeles Times

To paraphrase Sheffield in “Heartbreak Is the National Anthem,” West and Trump are just two of the “men who’ve singled her out and made her a personal pursuit.”

From Los Angeles Times

More About Paraphrase

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.

Where does paraphrase come from?

The first records of the term paraphrase come from the mid-1500s. It ultimately comes from the Greek paráphrasis. Typically, the suffix para– means “side by side,” so a paraphrase is a “side by side phrase,” or “a phrase that means the same but looks or sounds different.”

Sometimes, people will paraphrase famous quotes, quotes from important figures, or quotes from research and change key parts of it or the overall wording to make the quote seem like it supports their claim when, in fact, it does not. For example, someone may paraphrase a quote from a research article but leave out certain details to make the research support their argument while the actual quote might not. When looking at an argument that uses a lot of paraphrases as evidence, it’s a good idea to find the original quotes to see if they truly support the argument.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to paraphrase?

• paraphrasable (adjective)
• paraphraser (noun)
• misparaphrase (verb)
• unparaphrased (adjective)

What are some synonyms for paraphrase?

• transcribe
• rephrase
• reword

What are some words that share a root or word element with paraphrase? 

• phrase

What are some words that often get used in discussing paraphrase?

• meaning
• message
• quote
• write

How is paraphrase used in real life?

News, research, and academic writing often use paraphrasing to tell their stories.

To paraphrase: How long does it take to write a screenplay? Your whole life plus the time it takes to type it.

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) November 8, 2015

FAQ: How many in-text citations do I need in a paragraph when I am paraphrasing (e.g., after every sentence or just once at the end)?
A: The “Long Paraphrases” section of this #APAStyle page has practical guidelines and examples: https://t.co/eH9tg2nf4M

— APA Style (@APA_Style) December 1, 2021

to paraphrase shigeru miyamoto, a delayed album is eventually good, but a rushed album is forever bad

— xander (@mura_masa_) December 30, 2015

 

 

Try using paraphrase!

True or False?

To paraphrase someone is to quote their words precisely.