Paraphrase
/ˈpærəfreɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo restate a text, passage, or meaning in other words.
/ˈpærəfreɪz/
To express the meaning of something using different words.
She asked me to paraphrase the article for her.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone tells you a cool story, but it's super long. To paraphrase is like telling the same story, but in your own words and shorter, like a summary! For example: Your friend explained a game with lots of complicated rules. You paraphrase it by saying, 'So, you roll the dice, move your piece, and try to get to the finish line!'
👶 For kids: To say something in a different way, but still mean the same thing.
More Examples
Can you paraphrase what the teacher just said?
He struggled to paraphrase the complex legal document.
How It's Used
"Students often paraphrase source material in their essays."
"The reporter paraphrased the politician's statement."
A restatement of a text or passage in different words.
/ˈpærəfreɪz/
A restatement of a text or passage using different words.
The paraphrase provided a clearer understanding of the original text.
💡 Simply: If you explain a story in your own words, that's the paraphrase! It's the new version of what someone said or wrote. For example: The teacher asked for a paraphrase of the story, so that the students would understand it better. You could say that 'the teacher requested a summary' or 'rephrased the story' - that's the paraphrase.
👶 For kids: When you say something that someone else said, but in your own words.
More Examples
The professor requested a paraphrase of the key concepts.
The student's paraphrase of the story was well-written.
How It's Used
"The student's paraphrase of the poem was insightful."
"I want to make sure that I understand your point, so let me offer my paraphrase of what you just said."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Greek *paraphrasis* (a free rendering), from *paraphrázein* (to tell in other words), from *para-* (beside) + *phrázein* (to speak).
The word 'paraphrase' has been used since the 16th century, originally referring to a translation or restatement of a text.
Memory tip
Think of it as 'rephrasing' or putting things in *para*llel words.
Word Origin
"to tell in other words"