periphrase

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet it is difficult to conceive why Sallust should have used such a periphrase for centuriones.

From Conspiracy of Catiline and the Jurgurthine War by Watson, John Selby

Yes; it was the usual periphrase of these vulgar people.

From Charlotte's Inheritance by Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth)

The mot propre, the calling of a spade a spade, was the great commandment of Romanticism; but it must be allowed that what was taken away in periphrase was made up in adjectives.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 2 "French Literature" to "Frost, William" by Various

Then, mindful of the presence of the children, she proceeded by means of graceful periphrase and carefully studied generalizations to a presentation of Medora's mental and spiritual attributes.

From Under the Skylights by Fuller, Henry Blake

Leaving out the delicate and difficult periphrase by which her mother's shame would have to be explained to an innocent school-girl—what right could he have assumed to tell it?

From A Ward of the Golden Gate by Harte, Bret