word
Literary
periphrasis
peh-RIF-ruh-sis
pəˈrɪfrəsɪsListen
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Syllable breakdown
periphrasis
Sounds like
Say 'peh-RIF-ruh-sis'.
Dictionary meaning
The use of indirect, roundabout speech rather than direct expression.
History and origin
Greek — 'peri' (around) + 'phrazein' (to speak).
Examples
- Saying 'the long sleep' instead of 'death' is a classic example of periphrasis.
Common mispronunciations
PAIR-ih-fray-sispeh-rih-FRAY-sis
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