# paraphrase

/ˈpɛɹəˌfɹeɪz/ (US) · /pˈæɹəfɹˌeɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paraphrase
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a way of saying or writing something using different words to make the meaning clearer. You use it to show you understand an idea without copying the original text exactly.

For teachers: a restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning. Frequently used in academic contexts to incorporate external ideas while maintaining a consistent authorial voice.

## Examples

- The student wrote a short paraphrase of the poem.
- The lawyer provided a clear paraphrase of the complex legal document for the jury.
- While a direct quotation preserves the original author's exact phrasing, a well-executed paraphrase demonstrates a deeper synthesis of the underlying concepts within the researcher's own narrative framework.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to a specific restatement; uncountable when referring to the general practice of restating text.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.