Adjacent Words

Paraphrase definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

PAR'APHRASE, n. s as z. [Gr. beyond, and phrase.] An explanation of some text or passage in a book, in a more clear and ample manner than is expressed in the words of the author. Such as the paraphrase of the New Testament by Erasmus.
In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense.
PAR'APHRASE, v.t. To explain, interpret or translate with latitude; to unfold the sense of an author with more clearness and particularity than it is expressed in his own words.
PAR'APHRASE, v.i. To interpret or explain amply; to make a paraphrase.
Where translation is impracticable, they may paraphrase.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: rewording for the purpose of clarification [syn: paraphrase, paraphrasis] v
1: express the same message in different words [syn: paraphrase, rephrase, reword]

Merriam Webster's

I. noun Etymology: Middle French, from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek, from paraphrazein to paraphrase, from para- + phrazein to point out Date: 1548 1. a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form 2. the use or process of paraphrasing in studying or teaching composition II. verb (-phrased; -phrasing) Date: 1596 intransitive verb to make a paraphrase transitive verb to make a paraphrase of • paraphrasable adjective • paraphraser noun

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. & v. --n. a free rendering or rewording of a passage. --v.tr. express the meaning of (a passage) in other words. Derivatives: paraphrastic adj. Etymology: F paraphrase or L paraphrasis f. Gk paraphrasis f. paraphrazo (as PARA-(1) phrazo tell)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Paraphrase Par"a*phrase, n. [L. paraphrasis, Gr. ?, from ? to say the same thing in other words; ? beside + ? to speak: cf. F. paraphrase. See Para-, and Phrase.] A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; -- opposed to metaphrase. In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense. --Dryden. Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David. --I. Disraeli. His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice. --Sowth. The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases. --Shipley.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Paraphrase Par"a*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paraphrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Paraphrasing.] To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give the meaning of a passage in other language. We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words. --Bp. Stillingfleet.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Paraphrase Par"a*phrase, v. i. To make a paraphrase.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(paraphrases, paraphrasing, paraphrased) 1. If you paraphrase someone or paraphrase something that they have said or written, you express what they have said or written in a different way. Parents, to paraphrase Philip Larkin, can seriously damage your health... I'm paraphrasing but this is honestly what he said. VERB: V n, V 2. A paraphrase of something written or spoken is the same thing expressed in a different way. N-COUNT: oft N of n

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

n. 1. Explanation (by amplifying), exposition. 2. Free translation. 3. Metrical translation.

Moby Thesaurus

amplification, bilingual text, burlesque, clavis, copy, crib, decipherment, decoding, dummy, duplication, explain, explicate, facsimile, faithful translation, free translation, gloss, glossary, imitation, interlinear, interlinear translation, key, knockoff, loose translation, metaphrase, mock-up, model, paraphrasis, parody, pony, rehash, rendering, rendition, rephrase, rephrasing, replica, representation, reproduction, restate, restatement, reword, rewording, rewrite, rewriting, summarize, transcribe, transcription, translation, transliteration, travesty, trot, version