Periphrase Definition
noun
(rhetoric) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
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verb
To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
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(intransitive) To use circumlocution.
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Origin of Periphrase
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From Latin periphrasis from Ancient Greek περίφρασις (periphrasis), from περιφράζομαι (periphrazomai, “I consider all sides of an issue”), from περί (peri, “around”) + φράζω (phrazō, “I show, point out”). See phrase.
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