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paráfrasis means paraphrase — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 3, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

paráfrasis

noun • /[pa-RA-fra-sees]/

paraphrase

Example:

Haz una paráfrasis del texto.

Make a paraphrase of the text.

🧠 What does paráfrasis mean?

Una paráfrasis es la explicación o interpretación de un texto utilizando palabras propias para que sea más claro y fácil de entender. No se trata de un resumen, sino de una reescritura del contenido original con un vocabulario diferente, manteniendo la idea principal.

📚 Extra examples

  • El profesor nos pidió una paráfrasis del poema para verificar nuestra comprensión.
    The professor asked us for a paraphrase of the poem to verify our understanding.
  • Para evitar el plagio, es fundamental hacer una paráfrasis de las fuentes y citarlas correctamente.
    To avoid plagiarism, it is essential to paraphrase the sources and cite them correctly.
  • Su discurso fue una paráfrasis de las ideas expuestas en el libro.
    His speech was a paraphrase of the ideas presented in the book.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'paráfrasis' comes from the Greek 'paráphrasis', which means 'to tell in other words'. It combines 'para' (beside) and 'phrasis' (diction, way of speaking), highlighting the idea of placing a new explanation alongside the original text.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "paráfrasis"

Synonyms: explicación, interpretación, aclaración, versión simplificada
Opposites: cita textual, copia literal, reproducción exacta

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'paraphrase' in Spanish?
The noun 'paraphrase' is 'paráfrasis'. The verb 'to paraphrase' is 'parafrasear'.
How do you pronounce 'paráfrasis' in Spanish?
It is pronounced pah-RAH-frah-sees, with the emphasis on the second syllable 'rá'.
How do you use 'paráfrasis' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Tuve que escribir una paráfrasis del primer capítulo para la clase de literatura.' (I had to write a paraphrase of the first chapter for literature class.)
What is the English translation of 'paráfrasis'?
The English translation of 'paráfrasis' is 'paraphrase'.
Does 'paráfrasis' change for gender or number?
'Paráfrasis' is a feminine noun: 'la paráfrasis'. Like other nouns ending in -sis with the stress on the third-to-last syllable, its form is the same for both singular and plural. The change is indicated by the article: 'la paráfrasis' (singular) and 'las paráfrasis' (plural).
Is 'paráfrasis' common in everyday Spanish?
No, it is not common in casual conversation. It is primarily used in academic, educational, literary, and formal contexts.
Does 'paráfrasis' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'paráfrasis' does not have any slang or alternative meanings. Its meaning is specific and consistent.
Is 'paráfrasis' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, its meaning and usage are consistent throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

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