Paraphrase is a word that is commonly used in academic contexts, especially when discussing how to reference or quote sources. The word is spelled in English as /ˈpærəfreɪz/, with the first syllable pronounced as "pair" (not "para"), and the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The spelling of the word reflects its Greek origins, where "para" means "beside" and "phrasē" means "speech." In essence, a paraphrase is a restatement or explanation of someone else's words in one's own language or style.
Paraphrase is a term used to describe the act of restating or rephrasing information or a text in one's own words, while preserving the original meaning and conveying it in a clearer or more concise manner. It is the process of expressing ideas or content from a source using alternative words and sentence structures, without distorting or changing the original intention.
A paraphrase is typically employed to simplify complex concepts or to convey the content of a text in a more accessible way. It involves understanding the main idea or message of the original text and then expressing it in a new form, often altering the sentence structure, choice of words, and occasionally adding or removing some details. This process allows the writer to demonstrate comprehension of the original material while putting it into their own words.
Paraphrasing is frequently used in academic writing, research papers, and essays as a means to incorporate and reference information from external sources without directly quoting them. It enables writers to avoid plagiarism by presenting the information in a unique and individualized manner. Furthermore, paraphrasing is also utilized in everyday conversations and discussions when someone wants to restate what another person has said to clarify or enhance understanding.
In summary, paraphrasing is the act of restating information from a source by using different words and sentence structures while retaining the original meaning. It is an essential skill in effective communication, aiding in avoiding plagiarism and enhancing comprehension and accessibility of information.
• A loose or free translation of an author's words; the rendering of a book or some passage of it into simpler and more easily understood language.
• To render a passage plainer than in the original; to make a free translation of; to explain in many words.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word paraphrase originated from the combination of two Greek words: para meaning beside or alongside, and phrasis meaning speech or expression. In Greek, para also implies in place of or instead of. Therefore, the word paraphrase essentially means to express or restate something in an alternative or similar way.