Polyphrasia is a term used in psychology to describe a condition in which an individual uses excessive or redundant phrases while communicating. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌpɒ.liˈfɹeɪ.zi.ə/, which consists of three syllables. The first syllable "poli" is pronounced as /ˈpɒ.li/ with stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "phra" is pronounced as /ˈfɹæ/ with stress on the second syllable. The last syllable "sia" is pronounced as /ˈzeɪ.ə/ with stress on the first syllable.
Polyphrasia refers to a linguistic phenomenon where an individual uses multiple phrases or expressions to convey a single meaning or idea. It is characterized by the excessive use of phrases and a tendency to elaborate on a specific concept or topic.
The term "polyphrasia" derives from the combination of the Greek words "poly," meaning many or multiple, and "phrasis," meaning phrase or expression. This linguistic concept can manifest in various ways, such as the use of extended descriptions, repetition of ideas, or the inclusion of unnecessary details in conversation or writing.
Polyphrasia can occur due to various reasons, including an individual's desire to be precise or clear in their communication, a lack of conciseness or lexical knowledge, or even as a result of cognitive or linguistic disorders. In some instances, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, may exhibit polyphrasia as a linguistic characteristic.
While polyphrasia can be seen as an interesting aspect of individual linguistic behavior, it can also lead to challenges in effective communication. Excessive use of phrases may cause confusion, hinder clarity, or make it difficult for others to follow the intended message. Therefore, individuals demonstrating polyphrasia may benefit from engaging in speech therapy or linguistic interventions to improve their communication skills and enhance their ability to convey ideas concisely.
Extreme talkativeness or volubility.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "polyphrasia" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "poly" meaning "many" and "phrasia" meaning "phrase" or "speech". The term can be interpreted as the use of excessive or unnecessary phrases or speech.