periphrasis

use of a longer phrasing in place of a possible shorter form of expression


This word appears in the new Jose Saramago book that I’m reading, Seeing: “As the days passed, it became noticeable, in a way that was, at first, imperceptible, that the word blank, as if it had suddenly become obscene or rude, was falling into disuse, that people would employ all kinds of evasions and periphrases to replace it.”

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2 Responses to periphrasis

  1. tammy says:

    hi karl! i should wear this word on a shirt – i’m often guilty of making a short story extra long…and then some…would you recommend this book?

  2. Hey Tammy. I love the book, but I think Saramago is somewhat of an acquired taste. Maybe get it from the library? I’ve recommended his other books to a bunch of people, but only had a couple takers, so I’m not sure I’m in step with the preferences of my peers. But if you promise not to hold it against me if you hate the book, I say, “go for it!” :)

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