Paraphrastic is a complex word with many syllables and sounds. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌpærəˈfræstɪk/. The first syllable is stressed and is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/. The next syllable contains the consonant cluster /rə/, which is followed by the short vowel /æ/. The third syllable contains the long vowel /a:/ followed by the consonant cluster /f/, and the final syllable ends with the short vowel /ɪk/. This spelling of the word "Paraphrastic" accurately represents its pronunciation.
Paraphrastic is an adjective that describes the act of paraphrasing or the quality of being paraphrased. It refers to the process of expressing something in different words, often to simplify or clarify its meaning. Paraphrastic can be used to describe a piece of writing or speech that has been reworded to convey the same information or idea, but in a different manner.
In literature or academic writing, a paraphrastic approach may be taken to restate a particular concept or clarify a complicated statement. This technique is commonly employed when the original text is difficult to understand or when the writer's goal is to present the information in a more accessible way. By employing paraphrastic techniques, writers can use their own words and sentence structures to convey the same meaning, often using synonyms or alternative phrasing.
Paraphrastic can also refer to a specific linguistic category in certain languages, such as in inflectional changes or different grammatical constructions. In these cases, linguistic structures are altered or rephrased to convey a specific meaning or grammatical function.
Overall, the term "paraphrastic" encompasses the act of paraphrasing across various contexts, from literature and academic writing to language and linguistics. It is a way to express the same thought or message using different words or structures, making it easier to comprehend or interpret.
Very full in explanation; not verbal or literal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "paraphrastic" originated from the combination of two Greek words: "para" meaning "alongside" or "beside", and "phrasis" meaning "speech" or "expression". The term was formed by adding the suffix "-tic" (derived from the Greek suffix "-tikos") to "paraphrase". Thus, "paraphrastic" can be understood as something that relates to or involves the act of paraphrasing.