English-Finnish translations for periphrasis

• perifraasi

Definition of periphrasis

• The use of a longer expression instead of a shorter one with a similar meaning, for example "I am going to" instead of "I will
• The substitution of a descriptive word or phrase for a proper name (a species of circumlocution
• The use of a proper name as a shorthand to stand for qualities associated with it

Examples

• Language learners sometimes use periphrases like "did go" where a native speaker would use "went".

Related words

• periphrastic
• periphrase
• periphrastically