paraphrastic

Paraphrastic is an adjective used to describe language or expressions that relate to paraphrase or that convey the same meaning in different wording. The term comes from Greek para- meaning beside or alongside, and phrasis meaning speech or expression. In linguistics and rhetoric, paraphrastic forms emphasize meaning over exact wording rather than quoting original diction.

In linguistic analysis, paraphrastic constructions rephrase content while preserving intent, often by altering syntax, word choice, or emphasis. Paraphrastic paraphrase contrasts with quotation, which repeats the source text verbatim, and with translation, which renders it into another language. Paraphrastic approaches are common in summarization, didactic writing, and style transformation.

Examples: Original: “The committee approved the proposal.” Paraphrastic: “The proposal received approval from the committee.” Another: “Economic growth was strong this year.” Paraphrastic: “This year saw strong growth in the economy.”

In literary and rhetorical criticism, the label can describe sentences or passages that paraphrase a point in a more interpretive or expansive way, sometimes to suit a different audience or to highlight particular aspects of meaning. The term is not a formal grammatical category in most languages, but a descriptive usage in linguistic and stylistic analysis.