(redirected from periphrasticly)
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical.


1. Having the nature of or characterized by periphrasis.

per′i·phras′ti·cal·ly adv.


(ˌpɛrɪˈfræstɪk) or


1. employing or involving periphrasis
2. (Grammar) expressed in two or more words rather than by an inflected form of one: used esp of a tense of a verb where the alternative element is an auxiliary verb. For example, He does go and He will go involve periphrastic tenses
ˌperiˈphrastically adv


(ˌpɛr əˈfræs tɪk)

1. circumlocutory; roundabout.
2. expressed by or using grammatical periphrasis, as the construction more friendly rather than friendlier.
[1795–1805; < Greek periphrastikós, derivative of periphrázein to use periphrasis]
per`i•phras′ti•cal•ly, adv.


referring to the ability in some languages to use function words instead of inflections, as “the hair of the dog” for “dog’s hair.” — periphrasis, n.
See also: Grammar
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj.1.periphrastic - roundabout and unnecessarily wordyperiphrastic - 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)
indirect - extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action; "making indirect but legitimate inquiries"; "an indirect insult"; "doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind"; "though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest"; "known as a shady indirect fellow"


Using or containing an excessive number of words:


[ˌperɪˈfræstɪk] ADJperifrástico

