Periphrastic
adjective
Expressing something in a roundabout or indirect way.
He tends to use periphrastic language in his speeches, which can make them quite long.
Often appears as...
- periphrastic expression
- periphrastic phrase
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Related to the use of a grammatical construction that uses more words than the alternative.
In Spanish, the future tense can be formed in a periphrastic way using the verb 'to go'.
Often appears as...
- periphrastic construction
- periphrastic formation
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
adjective
Expressing something in a roundabout or indirect way.
He tends to use periphrastic language in his speeches, which can make them quite long.
Often appears as...
- periphrastic expression
- periphrastic phrase
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Related to the use of a grammatical construction that uses more words than the alternative.
In Spanish, the future tense can be formed in a periphrastic way using the verb 'to go'.
Often appears as...
- periphrastic construction
- periphrastic formation
Usage tips
Formal
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Use Sparingly
Periphrastic language can be unclear or unnecessarily complicated, so use it sparingly in communication.
Avoid being too periphrastic when giving instructions.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Style
Use periphrastic expressions for stylistic effect, to create a sense of narrative or in formal writing.
Authors often use periphrastic descriptions to set the scene.
Pro Tip 3/3May Sound Evasive
Periphrastic speech can appear evasive, as if you're avoiding getting to the point.
Politicians' periphrastic answers sometimes frustrate their audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Use Sparingly
Periphrastic language can be unclear or unnecessarily complicated, so use it sparingly in communication.
Avoid being too periphrastic when giving instructions.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Style
Use periphrastic expressions for stylistic effect, to create a sense of narrative or in formal writing.
Authors often use periphrastic descriptions to set the scene.
Pro Tip 3/3May Sound Evasive
Periphrastic speech can appear evasive, as if you're avoiding getting to the point.
Politicians' periphrastic answers sometimes frustrate their audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Use Sparingly
Periphrastic language can be unclear or unnecessarily complicated, so use it sparingly in communication.
Avoid being too periphrastic when giving instructions.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Style
Use periphrastic expressions for stylistic effect, to create a sense of narrative or in formal writing.
Authors often use periphrastic descriptions to set the scene.
Pro Tip 3/3May Sound Evasive
Periphrastic speech can appear evasive, as if you're avoiding getting to the point.
Politicians' periphrastic answers sometimes frustrate their audience.
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