periphrasis

UK /pəˈɹɪfɹəsɪs/ US /pəˈɹɪfɹəsɪs/
noun 4

Definitions

noun

1

The use of a longer expression instead of a shorter one with a similar meaning, for example "I am going to" instead of "I will".

2

Expressing a grammatical meaning (such as a tense) using a syntactic construction rather than morphological marking.

Language learners sometimes use periphrases like "did go" where a native speaker would use "went".

Native speakers use periphrases like "did not go" where a language learner might use "went not".

3

The substitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name (a type of circumlocution).

Periphrasis a single thought expands, And uses many words for what but few demands.

The "glen," or the "brake of the lion," is Pindar's favourite periphrasis for Nemea.

4

The use of a proper name as a shorthand to stand for qualities associated with it.

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