periphrase

Meaning

Noun

The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.

Verb

1. (transitive) To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
2. (intransitive) To use circumlocution.

Synonyms

periphrasis

circumlocution

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpɛɹi.fɹeɪz/

Etymology

From Latin periphrasis from Ancient Greek περίφρασις (períphrasis), from περιφράζομαι (periphrázomai, “I consider all sides of an issue”), from περί (perí, “around”) + φράζω (phrázō, “I show, point out”). See phrase.