paraphrase

Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Origin: L. paraphrasis, Gr. παράφρασις, from παραφράζειν to say the same thing in other words; παρά beside + φράζειν to speak: cf. F. paraphrase. See Para-, and Phrase.

A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; — opposed to metaphrase.

In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense.— John Dryden

Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David.— Issac Disraeli

His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice.— Sowth.

The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases.— Orby Shipley

To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give the meaning of a passage in other language.

We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words.— Bp. Edward Stillingfleet

To make a paraphrase.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54