Periphrastic Definition & Meaning

periphrastic
adjective
  1. roundabout and unnecessarily wordy; "had a preference for circumlocutious (or circumlocutory) rather than forthright expression"; "A periphrastic study in a worn- out poetical fashion,/ Leaving one still with the intolerable wrestle/ With words and meanings."-T.S.Eliot; (`ambagious' is archaic)

Usage tips for "periphrastic"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "periphrastic" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for periphrastic to find words that pair well.

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