# rephrase

/ɹiˈfɹeɪz/ (US) · /ɹɪfɹˈeɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rephrase
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to say the same thing again using different words. You do this to make an idea clearer or to avoid repeating the same phrase.

For teachers: to express the same meaning using different words or a different structure. Often used in academic or professional contexts to avoid plagiarism or to clarify complex ideas.

## Examples

- Please rephrase your answer so it is easier to understand.
- The editor asked the author to rephrase the opening paragraph to make it more engaging for the general public.
- By rephrasing the legal argument in simpler terms, the defense attorney successfully demonstrated that the evidence was not as conclusive as the prosecution had claimed.

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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.