metaphrase

[ met-uh-freyz ]

See synonyms for metaphrase on Thesaurus.com

noun

a literal translation.

verb (used with object),met·a·phrased, met·a·phras·ing.

to translate, especially literally.
to change the phrasing or literary form of.

Origin of metaphrase

First recorded in 1600–10, metaphrase is from the Greek word metáphrasis a paraphrasing, change of phrasing. See meta-, phrase

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for metaphrase

metaphrase

/ (ˈmɛtəˌfreɪz) /

noun

a literal translation: Compare paraphrase

verb(tr)

to alter or manipulate the wording of
to translate literally

Origin of metaphrase

C17: from Greek metaphrazein to translate

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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