What does periphrasis mean?
A periphrasis is a roundabout expression that replaces a short, familiar term with a longer and more indirect phrase. For example, saying “the instrument for removing written material” instead of simply “eraser” creates a needlessly elaborate periphrasis. The word is especially common in criticism of writing, speech, and legal or bureaucratic language, where indirectness may make communication slower or harder to understand. It also has an established place in rhetoric and literary study, where a periphrasis can be valued for its elegance, rhythm, or formal character. The term is more learned than ordinary vocabulary, so it is often used with a slightly critical tone when describing verbose or evasive wording. Its historical connection to rhetoric reflects the long tradition of explaining ideas indirectly while preserving precision and rhetorical effect.
nounA roundabout expression that uses several words in place of a shorter or more direct term. In literary and rhetorical contexts, it can also refer to the deliberate use of such expressions.
- A roundabout or unnecessarily elaborate expression of an idea.
- In literary and rhetorical theory, the use of a phrase or series of words to express an idea that could be expressed more directly.
"His explanation was a needlessly lengthy periphrasis for saying that the meeting had been cancelled."
"The old phrase is a periphrasis for the modern, much shorter term."
"His speech was full of periphrases that obscured rather than clarified his argument."
The standard plural is “periphrases,” pronounced with a final /ɪz/ sound.
"The editor removed several periphrases from the report because they obscured the main point."
A periphrasis is the art of speaking around something instead of saying it directly—an ancient rhetorical strategy that can clarify an idea, or bury it in needless words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does periphrasis come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek periphrasis, a noun formed from the elements peri-, meaning “around,” and phrasis, meaning “speech” or “expression.” The literal sense is “speaking around,” and the word was used in ancient rhetoric to describe expressing an idea through an indirect formulation. English later adopted the term with both its general sense of roundabout wording and its more specialized rhetorical meaning.
Related word forms
How periphrasis is actually used
The word is formal and literary rather than everyday. It is often used to criticize unnecessarily indirect or wordy phrasing, but it can also refer neutrally to a traditional or ceremonial expression.
Easily confused with periphrasis
A paraphrase is a restatement of an idea or passage, whereas a periphrasis specifically emphasizes an indirect or roundabout way of expressing something.