Periphrastic
hardper-ih-FRAS-tik
adjective
Definition
Using many words where fewer would suffice; roundabout
Examples
“His periphrastic style obscured his main point.”
“The periphrastic phrase could be replaced with one word.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Periphrastic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "circumlocutory" or "verbose" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "concise".
Related GRE Words
circumlocutory
Using many words where fewer would do; roundabout in expression
prolix
Using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy
pleonastic
Using more words than necessary; redundant
voluble
Speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently
verbose
Using or expressed in more words than are needed
diatribe
A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something
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