How Do You Spell METAPHRASTIC?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəfɹˈastɪk] (IPA)

Metaphrastic is a word that refers to the act of transliterating or paraphrasing a text from one language to another. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˌmɛtəˈfɹæstɪk/. The "meta" prefix means "after" or "beyond" and the "phrastic" stem relates to the word "phrase". The spelling of this word follows the English language's use of "ph" to represent the "f" sound in Greek loanwords, and the use of the letter "c" to represent the "k" sound in Latin and Greek loanwords.

METAPHRASTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Metaphrastic is an adjective that refers to the act or process of translating or rendering a text in an excessively literal or word-for-word manner. It describes a style of translation that prioritizes the preservation of the original text's literal meaning rather than attempting to capture its intended sense or spirit.

   When a translation is metaphrastic, it adheres closely to the structure, vocabulary, and syntax of the original language, often resulting in a stilted or awkward rendition in the target language. The aim of this approach is to provide an accurate representation of the source text, maintaining a high level of fidelity at the expense of naturalness and fluency.

   Metaphrastic translations are sometimes used in academic or scholarly contexts, particularly in fields where precision and accuracy are crucial, such as legal or technical translations. It can be valuable when the primary objective is to ensure that no nuances or subtleties are lost in the translation process. However, in more creative or literary contexts, a metaphrastic approach may be seen as too rigid or literal, potentially sacrificing the artistry or poetic essence of the original work.

   Overall, the term "metaphrastic" is employed to describe translations that maintain an exaggerated level of literalness and can be contrasted with approaches that prioritize a more dynamic, idiomatic, or interpretative rendering of the source material.

2. Literal.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for METAPHRASTIC

• netaphrastic
• ketaphrastic
• jetaphrastic
• mwtaphrastic
• mstaphrastic
• mdtaphrastic
• mrtaphrastic
• m4taphrastic
• m3taphrastic
• meraphrastic
• mefaphrastic
• megaphrastic
• meyaphrastic
• me6aphrastic
• me5aphrastic
• metzphrastic
• metsphrastic
• metwphrastic
• metqphrastic
• metaohrastic

Etymology of METAPHRASTIC

The word "metaphrastic" derives from the Greek word "μεταφραστικός" (metaphrastikos), which means "translating" or "interpretative". It is formed by combining "μετά" (meta), meaning "beyond" or "after", and "φράζω" (phrazo), meaning "to explain" or "to translate". Therefore, "metaphrastic" refers to the act or process of transforming or translating something, particularly in the realm of interpretation or explanation.