Definition of periphrastic
- using several words to express an idea that could be expressed more directly or in fewer words
Usage examples of periphrastic
The sentence “I am going to leave” is periphrastic because it uses a helper verb and an infinitive.
Rather than simply saying no, he gave a periphrastic answer that filled three sentences.
The legal notice used a periphrastic construction—“make payment”—where “pay” would have been clearer.