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Dictionary Language resources

periphrasis

Syllabification: (pe·riph·ra·sis)

Pronunciation: /pəˈrifrəsis/

Definition of periphrasis

noun (plural periphrases /-ˌsēz/)

the use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing.
an indirect and circumlocutory phrase.
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 smarter.