Periphrastic
/ˌpɛrɪˈfræstɪk/noun
Using a phrase of several words where a single word or simpler form might be used.
Did you know?In grammar, periphrasis lets speakers build meanings such as future time or completed action through multiple words rather than a single inflected form.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
περίφρασις (períphrasis)
“A speaking around; circumlocution”
Ancient Greek
Greek
περί (perí)
“Around, about”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φράζειν (phrázein)
“To tell, explain, or express”
Late Antiquity
Latin
periphrasis
“Circumlocution or expression by means of a phrase”
16th Century
English
periphrasis
“A roundabout expression”
16th Century
English
periphrastic
“Using circumlocution or expressing grammar through multiple words”
Modern English
English
periphrastic
“Characterized by a multiword expression instead of a simpler form”
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