What does periphrased mean?
Periphrased is the past tense and past participle of periphrase, meaning that an idea or statement has been expressed indirectly or in roundabout language. It often suggests that the original wording has been replaced with a more elaborate or less direct expression, although the exact reason may be clarity, style, politeness, or avoidance of a difficult term. In editorial and literary contexts, the word can be used neutrally: an editor may say that a sentence has been periphrased to make it easier to understand. In political or conversational contexts, it can carry the implication that the speaker is avoiding a direct answer. The related adjective form, periphrased, describes language that has been expressed in this indirect way. Although it is related to paraphrase, periphrase more specifically emphasizes indirectness or wordiness.
To express an idea or statement in roundabout or indirect wording.
"The teacher periphrased the theorem for students who were new to formal logic."
Common in formal and literary writing; it may imply either clarification or deliberate avoidance of directness.
Expressed indirectly or in roundabout language.
"The committee issued a periphrased statement rather than naming the failed project."
This is a participial adjective formed from the verb; it is less common than the verbal use.
When you periphrase, the meaning survives even after the original words have been replaced by a longer verbal detour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does periphrased come from?
The word comes from the Greek-derived combining form periphrase, from Greek periphrasis, meaning a roundabout expression. Periphrase entered English in the early 16th century, initially referring to the expression of a thought in indirect or circuitous terms. Its grammatical form follows the regular English pattern of adding -d to the verb, while the related form periphrastic comes from the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How periphrased is actually used
This form is formal and slightly literary. It can sound deliberately cumbersome when used of speech or writing, but it is also used neutrally to describe simplifying or clarifying wording.
Easily confused with periphrased
A paraphrase usually restates the meaning of a text in different words, whereas a periphrase typically expresses a single idea indirectly or in a roundabout way.
A circumlocution is a wordy or indirect expression, while to periphrase is the act of expressing something in such terms.