What is another word for periphrasis?

80 synonyms found

Pronunciation:

[ pəɹˈɪfɹɐsˌiz], [ pəɹˈɪfɹɐsˌiz], [ p_ə_ɹ_ˈɪ_f_ɹ_ɐ_s_ˌi_z]

Periphrasis refers to the use of excessive wording to explain something that could have been said in a more concise manner. Some synonyms for periphrasis include circumlocution, verbosity, wordiness, prolixity, and pleonasm. Circumlocution refers to talking around a subject without actually getting to the point. Verbose refers to using more words than necessary to convey a message. Wordiness implies a style that is full of unnecessary words. Prolixity is a tendency to talk excessively or at length. Pleonasm refers to the use of more words than are necessary to convey meaning. Overall, all these synonyms indicate an overuse of words in speech or writing.

Related words: explication, subtlety, circumlocution, periphrasis definition, periphrasis examples, periphrasis in literature, figurative language

Related questions:

  • What is periphrasis?

    How to use "Periphrasis" in context?

    Periphrasis is a literary device used to avoid stating an entire thought outright. Periphrasis can be topical, zoological, geographic, or bibliographical. Take, for example, the phrase "I'm not a doctor," which is a periphrasis for "I don't have a medical degree."

    A periphrasis can also be implied. In the phrase "a bit of Vaseline," the phrase "a bit" is a periphrasis for "a lot.

    Word of the Day

    standstills
    Standstill refers to a momentary pause or point of time where there is no movement or activity happening. There are several synonyms for the word standstill, including halt, stoppa...