periphrasis

 
Pronunciation: /pəˈrɪfrəsɪs/

noun (plural periphrases /-siːz/)

[mass noun]
  • the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing.
  • [count noun] an indirect and circumlocutory phrase: a rather pompous periphrasis
  • Grammar the use of separate words to express a grammatical relationship that is otherwise expressed by inflection, e.g. did go as opposed to went and more intelligent as opposed to cleverer.

Origin:

mid 16th century: via Latin from Greek, from periphrazein, from peri- 'around' + phrazein 'declare'