Definition & Meaning of "periphrasis"

What is "periphrasis"?

Periphrasis is a linguistic term that refers to the use of a longer expression or phrase to convey a meaning that could be expressed more clearly with a single word or a shorter phrase. This technique often involves using descriptive language to elaborate on an idea, sometimes for clarity, emphasis, or stylistic reasons. For example, instead of saying "to die," one might use the periphrastic expression "to pass away." Periphrasis can also appear in grammatical structures, such as using auxiliary verbs in place of a single verb form. Understanding periphrasis is important for recognizing variations in language and style, as it can influence tone and clarity in communication.