noun
paraphrase
PA-ruhf-rayz
noun
1
A restatement of a passage or idea in different words, usually to make it clearer or shorter.
"The textbook offers a paraphrase of the original Latin text."
verb
1
To restate something in different words while keeping the same meaning.
"Can you paraphrase that last paragraph for me?"
"She paraphrased the professor's lecture in her notes instead of writing it word for word."
How to Use Paraphrase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying the same thing someone else said, but using your own words instead of quoting them directly.
Common mistake
Paraphrasing still requires crediting the original source — changing the words doesn't remove the need for citation.
Common pairings
paraphrase a quote
loose paraphrase
to paraphrase
Word Forms
paraphrased past tense, paraphrases plural, paraphrases singular
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The textbook offers a _____ of the original Latin text.
Etymology
From Middle French paraphrase, ultimately from Greek paraphrasis, "a telling in other words" (para- "beside" + phrazein "to tell").