Paraphrase Meaning and Definition
Paraphrase
Pronunciation
/ˈpærəfræz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A restatement of a text or passage in one’s own words, often used to clarify or simplify the original meaning, or to preserve the essence of the original message.
Examples
- The teacher asked the student to paraphrase the passage to ensure they understood the material.
- I paraphrased the instructions to make them easier to follow.
Synonyms
- Rewrite
- Restate
- Rephrase
Antonyms
- Direct Copy
- Literally Translate
Etymology
The word ‘paraphrase’ comes from the Greek words ‘para’ meaning ‘beside’ and ‘phrase’ meaning ‘words’, literally meaning ‘to speak beside’.
Additional Information
Paraphrasing is an important skill in academic writing, public speaking, and everyday communication, as it helps to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Effective paraphrasing requires understanding of the original text and the ability to restate it in one’s own words, while maintaining the original message.
Paraphrasing is often used in academic writing to avoid plagiarism by rephrasing ideas and concepts in one’s own words, while still conveying the original meaning.
Etymology: The word ‘Paraphrase’ comes from the Greek words ‘para’ meaning ‘beside’ and ‘phrase’ meaning ‘words’, literally meaning ‘to speak beside’.
Usage Notes:
Paraphrasing should be used to clarify or simplify the original meaning, rather than to distort or misrepresent it.
Cultural References:
In popular culture, paraphrasing is often depicted in movies and TV shows, where characters may paraphrase complex concepts or ideas to convey them in a simpler way.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases:
In idiomatic expressions such as ‘paraphrase the lyrics’ or ‘paraphrase the script’, the word ‘paraphrase’ is often used to convey the act of restating or rephrasing written or spoken content.
Related Words or Phrases:
Related words or phrases include ‘rewrite’, ‘restoration’, ‘rephrase’, and ‘clarify’, all of which involve restating or rephrasing content in some way.
Collocations:
Common collocations with the term ‘paraphrase’ include ‘paraphrase the text’, ‘paraphrase the passage’, and ‘paraphrase the original text’, all of which convey the act of restating or rephrasing written content.
Frequency of Use:
The word ‘paraphrase’ is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but is more common in academic and professional contexts, where it is often used to convey complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Common Misspellings:
Common misspellings of the word ‘paraphrase’ include ‘paraprase’, ‘paraphers’, and ‘parapharez’, all of which are incorrect spellings of the word.