Periphrasis

__//Periphrasis//__

//Also known as circumlocution.//
 * D** **efinition::** //Periphrasis:// use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible// shorter form of expression //


 * Origin::** Latin, from Greek, from //periphrazein// to express periphrastically, from //peri-// + //phrazein// to point out First Known Use: 1533

(Merriam-Webster)


 * Examples** from text:

1) "...There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience.”- Sherlock Holmes This example within Sherlock Holmes is an example of periphrasis because the speaker could have just as easily said, "You have found and beat one of the worst potential bank robberies I have seen." This version is much simpler and more concise.

AM