What does paraphrase mean?
A paraphrase is a restatement of words or ideas in a different form. As a noun, it denotes a version of a statement, passage, or concept that communicates the same essential meaning without necessarily reproducing the original wording. As a verb, it describes the act of recasting information in this way, as in paraphrasing an argument or translating a dense passage into clearer language. Paraphrasing is useful in academic writing, teaching, interpretation, and communication, because it can make information more accessible or concise while reducing reliance on direct quotation. However, a good paraphrase must preserve the source's meaning, scope, and important qualifications. A loose paraphrase may alter or oversimplify the original, whereas a close paraphrase may be so similar to the source that citation or quotation rules require treatment as direct borrowing. The word can therefore be neutral and technical, though it may also suggest rewording that is less exact than the original.
A restatement of a passage or idea in different words that preserves its essential meaning.
"The article includes a brief paraphrase of the theory in less technical language."
A paraphrase may be close to the original in meaning and structure, or looser and more explanatory. Its degree of fidelity varies with context.
To restate a passage or idea in different words, usually while preserving its essential meaning.
"The lecturer paraphrased the author's argument before discussing its limitations."
This use is common in academic, educational, and explanatory contexts. A paraphrase that reproduces the source too closely may require citation as well as quotation.
The plural refers to multiple altered restatements of passages or ideas.
"The translator offered several paraphrases of the same difficult sentence."
A paraphrase is a verbal disguise: it keeps the meaning while changing the clothes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of paraphrase
The English noun and verb entered through French paraphrase, from the Greek noun paraphrasis. Greek paraphrasis combines para-, meaning “beside” or “alongside,” with phrasis, meaning “speech” or “expression,” reflecting the idea of expressing a statement alongside its original form. The word has been used in English since the 16th century and is related to phrase, phrasal, and the rarer term cataphrase.
Related word forms
How paraphrase is actually used
In careful academic use, a paraphrase normally restates a source in substantially different wording and should preserve the original meaning accurately. It is not necessarily informal, but an excessively loose paraphrase may distort the source, while a very close paraphrase can approach verbatim quotation. The verb is commonly followed by an object such as “a passage,” “an argument,” or “an idea.”