The word "metaphrased" is a rare term that refers to the act of translating or adapting a text into another language. Its spelling can be broken down phonetically as "mEH-tuh-freyst," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "ph" sound in "metaphrased" represents a Greek letter that was historically used in English to denote the "f" sound. Despite its infrequent usage, "metaphrased" is a useful term for scholars and translators who specialize in the field of literary translation.
Metaphrased is a term derived from the noun "metaphrase," and is commonly used as the past tense and past participle form of the verb "metaphrase." It refers to the act of decoding and rephrasing a text or passage from one language to another, while maintaining the original meaning, style, and intention of the source material.
When a text is metaphrased, the translator engages in a process that goes beyond literal translation. Rather than merely substituting words from one language to another, a metaphrased translation strives to capture the essence and nuances of the original by creatively rewording and restructuring sentences. This approach allows the translator to convey the intended meaning, while also adapting the text to fit the cultural and linguistic conventions of the target language.
Metaphrased translations are commonly used when dealing with literary works, poetry, or idiomatic expressions. Through their skillful manipulation of words and phrases, translators attempt to recreate the specific rhythm, tone, and imagery of the original text, striving to ensure that the translated version elicits a similar response or impact on the reader as the source material. Metaphrased translations are often favored in situations where a literal translation would fail to capture the true essence of the text, and where a more imaginative approach is required to convey the author's intentions.