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paraphrase

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈpærəˌfreɪz/

KK: /ˈpærəˌfreɪz/

intransitive verb
Definition

To express something in different words while keeping the original meaning.


Example

In class, we learned how to paraphrase a text to make it easier to understand.


Tense Forms

Past: paraphrased

Past Participle: paraphrased


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you manage to paraphrase that article for class?
Sloth B
Not yet, but I'm working on it this weekend.
Sloth A
I always find it tricky to paraphrase without losing the main ideas.
Sloth B
Same here! Maybe we can help each other out.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reword
restate
summarize
Antonyms
quote
plagiarize
copy
noun
Definition

A way of expressing the same idea or information using different words, often to make it clearer or easier to understand.


Example

The teacher asked us to write a paraphrase of the poem to show our understanding of its meaning.


Conversation
Sloth A
I found the article confusing, so I decided to make a paraphrase of it.
Sloth B
That's a smart idea! It really helps to clarify things.
Sloth A
Yeah, I think creating a paraphrase will help me remember the key points better.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To express the meaning of something using different words, often to clarify or simplify the original text.


Example

The teacher asked us to paraphrase the paragraph in our own words.


Tense Forms

Past: paraphrased

Past Participle: paraphrased


Conversation
Sloth A
Can you help me paraphrase this text for my assignment?
Sloth B
Sure! I think it needs to be clearer anyway.
Sloth A
Thanks! I always struggle with knowing how to paraphrase properly.
Root Explanation

Paraphrase is formed from "para-" (meaning beside or alongside) and "phrasis" (from Greek "phrazein", meaning to speak or express). The word describes expressing something in a different way while keeping the original meaning, thus speaking alongside the original text.

Memory Tip

Think of 'beside' ('para-') and 'speak' ('phrasis') to remember that a paraphrase means to express something in a different way while keeping the same meaning.

Visually Confused Words
unparaphrased
periphrase
Is this page helpful?
Absolutely, it’s a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rewording
restatement
interpretation
Antonyms
quotation
plagiarism
copy
Sloth B
No problem! Just focus on the main ideas and put them in your own words.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reword
restate
summarize
Antonyms
quote
misinterpret
confuse