Periphrasis
Noun
- The use of a longer phrasing (as in naming by descriptive epithet, introduction of abstract general terms) in place of a possible shorter and plainer form of expression.
- The use of a negative, passive, or inverted construction in place of a positive, active, or normal construction.
- A roundabout or indirect way of speaking.
Example Sentences
“Corporate jargon is full of periphrasis; ‘circle back’ just means ‘talk later.’”
“Instead of admitting he was broke, he used periphrasis and said he was between paychecks.”
“Watch out for periphrasis in dating app bios — ‘unemployed’ becomes ‘currently pursuing my passions.’”
Word Origin
Greek, early 16th century
Why this word?
Periphrasis, from the Greek “peri” (“around”) and “phrazein” (“to point out, show, declare”), is a way of talking around a subject. For example, a euphemism — such as saying “passed away” instead of “died” — is an instance of periphrasis. Another form of it is using a negative construction instead of a positive construction as emphasis. You might say, “That’s not a bad idea,” instead of the straightforward, “That’s a good idea.”
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