périphrase

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Definition of périphrase in English English dictionary

periphrase
The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution

To describe by enigmatic periphrases.

periphrase
To use circumlocution
periphrase
To express by [[#Noun|periphrase]] or circumlocution
periphrase
To express by periphrase or circumlocution
périphrase

    Hyphenation

    pe·ri·phrase

    Etymology

    () 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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