periphrastic
periphrastic
Definition
peri·phras·tic (per′i fras′tik)
adjective
- of, like, or expressed in periphrasis
- Gram. formed with a particle or an auxiliary verb instead of by inflection (Ex.: the phrase did sing used for the inflected form sang)
Etymology: ML periphrasticus < Gr periphrastikos
per′i·phras′·ti·cally adverb
periphrastic
Synonyms
periphrastic
Usage Examples
Modifies a noun
- construction: A periphrastic construction using a prepositional phrase beginning with " of " : " the door of the house " .
- form: We will argue in 4 that this may be evidence for the origin of the periphrastic forms in written registers.
- type: Adjectives with three or more syllables are nearly always of the periphrastic type.
- comparative: More periphrastic comparatives occur in writing than in speech whereas in speech the reverse is true.
- superlative: The periphrastic superlatives also greatly outnumber the inflectional superlatives from the Late Middle English period onwards.
- formation: What we shall see in §5 is the missing link, namely equivalence between a suppletive and a periphrastic formation.
periphrastic Quotes
A periphrastic study in a worn-out poetical fashion, Leaving one still with the intolerable wrestle With words and meanings.
Browse dictionary entries near periphrastic
- periphrasis
- periphery
- Peripherals
- peripheral vision
- peripheral
- peripeteia
- peripatetic
- periotic
- periostracum
- periostitis
- periphyton
- perique
- perisarc
- periscope
- periscopic
- perish
- perishable
- perissodactyl
- peristalsis
- peristome
