Definition

Describing a way of expressing something using more words than necessary, often to avoid being direct or to add emphasis.

Example

The teacher explained the concept in a periphrastic manner, using many words to clarify the idea.

Conversation

I was reading about grammar, and I came across the term periphrastic verbs.

Oh, really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to using extra words instead of just inflections, like saying 'going to' instead of just 'will'.

That makes sense! English has so many of those periphrastic forms.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Periphrastic → It is formed from "peri-" (meaning around) and "phrasis" (from Greek "phrasis", meaning speech or expression). The word describes a way of speaking that goes around a point rather than stating it directly, often using more words than necessary.

Memory Tip

Think of 'around' ('peri-') and 'speech' ('phrasis') to remember that 'periphrastic' refers to a way of expressing something in a roundabout manner.

Visually Confused Words