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Periphrasis is a feature of analytical language that tends to shun inflection. Definition, Usage and a list of Periphrasis Examples in common speech and literature. Periphrasis originates from a Greek word periphrazein which means talking around.
Definition and a list of examples of periphrasis. Periphrasis is a manner of speaking that uses more words than necessary to evoke a certain meaning.
Writers use periphrasis to add stylistic flair, create humor, emphasize aspects of a subject, avoid repetition, and soften the impact of statements. What are some famous examples of Periphrasis? Famous examples include Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Melville’s “Moby Dick,” and Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”
Periphrasis occurs when the writer chooses to use more words than necessary to talk about a subject. It occurs in a variety of situations. They are usually attempting to talk around something or use a literary device known as circumlocution.
Examples of Periphrasis in Literature. Where Shakespeare wanted to say that no one can avoid death in Sonnet 74, he used periphrasis – When that fell arrest / Without all bail shall carry me away. In Dickens’ David Copperfield, Mr. Micawber wanted to say he will show someone the way, which he did with much periphrasis –
Periphrasis is the use of elaborate description for what is normally a common word, phrase or proper name — or of a proper name, e.g. Venus for a description, i.e, beautiful and seductive . “Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope / The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence / The life o’ th’ building.” Macbeth, 2.3.73.
Examples of Periphrasis in Literature and Speech. Shakespeare indirectly refers to the idea that no one can avoid death in Sonnet 74: When that fell arrest / Without all bail shall carry me away. In Dickens' David Copperfield, Mr. Micawber goes to much trouble to say he will show someone the way:
