Definition

1. Noun:

   • A restatement of a text, passage, or idea using different words, typically for the purpose of clarification, simplification, or explanation.

2. Verb:

   • To express the meaning of a text, passage, or idea using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity or understanding.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • The student wrote a clear paraphrase of the complex scientific article.
  • A good paraphrase captures the original idea without copying the exact phrasing.

• Verb:

  • Could you paraphrase the main argument of the book in your own words?
  • The translator had to paraphrase the idiomatic expression, as a literal translation would not make sense.

Advanced Usage

• "to paraphrase someone/something": To restate what someone has said or what is written.
  • To paraphrase the author, true happiness comes from within.
• Used to introduce a restatement, often with the speaker's name.
  • As Shakespeare famously wrote, or to paraphrase him, all the world is a stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Paraphrastic (adj): Relating to or of the nature of a paraphrase.
  • The paraphrastic translation aimed for readability over literal accuracy.

Synonyms

• Noun: Restatement, rephrasing, rewording, rendition.
• Verb: Restate, rephrase, reword, put into other words.

Antonyms

• Noun: Quotation, verbatim copy, original text.
• Verb: Quote, cite verbatim, copy.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To put it in other words": A common phrase introducing a paraphrase.
  • The theory is complex. To put it in other words, it suggests that time is not linear.
• "In a nutshell": Used to introduce a very brief summary or paraphrase.
  • So, in a nutshell, the plan is to expand our online presence.

Noun

1. rewording for the purpose of clarification

Verb

1. express the same message in different words