paraphrasing
Saying it differently
Paraphrasing is restating something in different words while preserving the meaning.
It's a common technique in writing and conversation—summarizing an argument, clarifying a point, or avoiding direct quotation: I'm paraphrasing, but she basically said the project was doomed.
Unlike quoting, paraphrasing allows flexibility in wording while maintaining the original sense.
Change the phrasing
- restateExpress again differently
- reformulateExpress again differently
- recastReform or reassign roles
- rearticulateExpress again in words
put into words · render · convey · articulate · verbalize · rewording · recapitulate · summarize
Make less complex
- clarifyMake something understandable
- elucidateTo make understood
- explainMake something understood
- demystifyExplain something confusing
unpack · break down · spell out · illuminate · make clear · plain language · accessible · layman's terms
Interpret meaning or intent
- interpretExtract or convey meaning
- glossShine or annotation
- exegesisCritical textual interpretation
- hermeneuticsStudy of interpretation methods
commentary · exposition · contextualize · inference · reading · construal · spin · slant
Express in another language
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- transcreationCulturally adaptive translation process
- cross-linguisticInvolving multiple languages
- bilingualSpeaking two languages
idiomatic · equivalence · nonliteral · cultural adaptation · target language · source text · interpreter · sense-for-sense
Mention of a source
- attributionAssigning origin or cause
- plagiarismUnattributed use of others' work
- quotationCited passage or price
- indirect speechRestating another's words
reported speech · scholarly writing · academic integrity · citing · referencing · intellectual property · fair use · synthesis
reword
Change the phrasing
- restateExpress again differently
- reformulateExpress again differently
- recastReform or reassign roles
rearticulate · put into words · render · convey · articulate · verbalize · rewording · recapitulate · summarize · condense
simplify
Make less complex
demystify · unpack · break down · spell out · illuminate · make clear · plain language · accessible · layman's terms · untangle
construe
Interpret meaning or intent
hermeneutics · commentary · exposition · contextualize · inference · reading · construal · spin · slant · adaptation
translate
Express in another language
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- transcreationCulturally adaptive translation process
- cross-linguisticInvolving multiple languages
bilingual · idiomatic · equivalence · nonliteral · cultural adaptation · target language · source text · interpreter · sense-for-sense · dynamic equivalence
citation
Mention of a source
- attributionAssigning origin or cause
- plagiarismUnattributed use of others' work
- quotationCited passage or price
indirect speech · reported speech · scholarly writing · academic integrity · citing · referencing · intellectual property · fair use · synthesis · literature review
- conversationlistening, talk, talking, chat, speaking
- language artsreading comprehension, grammar rules, vocabulary building, phonics, spelling bees
- social skillssocial skills, conversation, sharing, helping, listening
- brevitybrevity, concise, succinct, terse, pithy
- conversation tacticsactive listening, mirroring, small talk, deflection, changing subject
- explainingexplaining, clarifying, elaborating, elucidating, expounding
paraphrasingsummarizing
Condensing to main points
condensing · abbreviating · abridging · distilling · truncating
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