Metaphrase vs. Paraphrase — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Metaphrase is a word-for-word translation, while paraphrase is a rewording for clarity or simplification.
Difference Between Metaphrase and Paraphrase
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Key Differences
Metaphrase and paraphrase represent two different approaches to the translation or interpretation of text. Metaphrase is about translating a text word-for-word, attempting to preserve the exact contextual meaning of the original. It strives for precision and fidelity to the source material, making sure that the original tone and intent are as intact as possible. In metaphrase, the translator’s task is to transfer language directly, with less concern for flow or readability in the target language.
Paraphrase, conversely, is more concerned with capturing the essence or the underlying meaning of the original text, and expressing it in a way that is natural and clear in the target language. It is less literal than metaphrase and allows for interpretation, adjustment, and even stylistic changes as long as the core meaning remains. The goal of a paraphrase is to make the information accessible and understandable, often simplifying complex language or idiomatic expressions.
While metaphrase maintains the structure and form of the original, paraphrasing might involve altering the sentence structure, changing words to synonyms, or omitting elements that are not essential to the understanding of the main point. The emphasis is on conveying the same message in a way that is idiomatic to the language into which it is being translated or explained.
One can find metaphrase used in contexts where the exact wording is crucial, such as legal documents, religious texts, or any instance where the specific terms carry significant weight. Paraphrase is often used in everyday communication, teaching, or any scenario where comprehension is more important than the precise wording.
In practice, metaphrase might lead to translations that are awkward or difficult to understand if the source language's syntax is vastly different from the target language. Paraphrase, while more flexible, can sometimes stray too far from the original text, leading to a loss of some nuances or specific points that the original author intended to convey.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Word-for-word translation.
Rewording or restating for clarity.
Focus
Accuracy to original text.
Clarity and understanding in translation.
Approach
Literal translation.
Interpretative or rewording translation.
Flexibility
Limited, stays close to the source.
High, adapts to the target audience.
Usage
Legal, technical, and scholarly texts.
General, educational, and casual texts.
Compare with Definitions
Metaphrase
Word-for-word transference without change in meaning.
His metaphrase of the ancient text was accurate but not very readable.
Paraphrase
Restating text with different words for clarity.
He paraphrased the complicated lecture into simple terms for the students.
Metaphrase
Translation that mirrors the exact words of the source.
The metaphrase of the technical manual preserved the specialized terminology.
Paraphrase
A rephrased version that maintains the original sentiment.
To avoid plagiarism, he carefully paraphrased the source material in his essay.
Metaphrase
Direct translation with a focus on textual fidelity.
The legal document was subjected to a metaphrase to avoid any misinterpretation.
Paraphrase
Translation that adapts meaning for easier understanding.
The instructor paraphrased the textbook's definition into everyday language.
Metaphrase
A literal translation of text from one language to another.
The metaphrase of carpe diem is seize the day.
Paraphrase
A paraphrase is a restatement of the meaning of a text or passage using other words. The term itself is derived via Latin paraphrasis from Greek παράφρασις 'additional manner of expression'.
Metaphrase
Metaphrase is a term referring to literal translation, i.e., "word by word and line by line" translation. In everyday usage, metaphrase means literalism; however, metaphrase is also the translation of poetry into prose.
Paraphrase
Express the meaning of (something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity
You can either quote or paraphrase literary texts
Metaphrase
A word-for-word translation.
Paraphrase
A rewording of something written or spoken
It is characteristic of poetic metaphors that they are not susceptible to paraphrase
Scattered here and there in the text are frank paraphrases of lines from Virgil, Cicero, and Quintilian
Metaphrase
To translate, especially literally.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
Metaphrase
To manipulate the wording of (a text), especially as a means of subtly altering the sense.
Paraphrase
The restatement of texts in other words as a studying or teaching device.
Metaphrase
A literal, word-for-word translation.
Paraphrase
The adaptation or alteration of a text or quotation to serve a different purpose from that of the original.
Metaphrase
An answering phrase; repartee.
Paraphrase
To restate using different words, especially to clarify.
Metaphrase
To make such a literal translation.
Paraphrase
To adapt or alter (a text or quotation) to serve a different purpose from that of the original
"It's tempting to paraphrase an environmental slogan and say, 'Think globally, pray locally'" (Christian Science Monitor).
Metaphrase
A verbal translation; a version or translation from one language into another, word for word; a literal translation; - opposed to paraphrase.
Paraphrase
To compose a paraphrase.
Metaphrase
An answering phrase; repartee.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text in different words, often to clarify meaning.
Metaphrase
Translating while maintaining the original structure and syntax.
She offered a metaphrase of the French poem that kept its complex form.
Paraphrase
(Scotland) One of a certain number of Scripture passages turned into verse for use in the service of praise.
Paraphrase
(ambitransitive) To restate something as, or to compose a paraphrase.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; - opposed to metaphrase.
In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense.
Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David.
His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice.
The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases.
Paraphrase
To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give the meaning of a passage in other language.
We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words.
Paraphrase
To make a paraphrase.
Paraphrase
Rewording for the purpose of clarification
Paraphrase
Express the same message in different words
Paraphrase
A rewording that conveys the same message more simply.
Her paraphrase made the ancient philosopher's ideas accessible to all.
Paraphrase
Interpretative restatement of another's words.
The journalist paraphrased the politician's speech for the news article.
Common Curiosities
What is a paraphrase?
A paraphrase is a restatement of text to clarify meaning or simplify language.
When should I use metaphrase?
Use metaphrase when accuracy to the source material is critical, such as in legal texts.
Can metaphrase cause misinterpretation?
Despite being literal, metaphrase can be misunderstood if cultural context is not considered.
Does paraphrase change the meaning?
It should not, but poor paraphrasing can unintentionally alter the meaning.
What is a metaphrase?
A metaphrase is a direct, word-for-word translation of text.
When is paraphrasing appropriate?
Paraphrasing is suitable when explaining or teaching to ensure understanding.
Can metaphrase affect readability?
Yes, a strict metaphrase can result in awkward or unnatural phrasing in the target language.
Is paraphrasing the same as summarizing?
No, paraphrasing rephrases all ideas while summarizing condenses them.
Is metaphrase used in machine translation?
Yes, early machine translation models often used metaphrase.
Can paraphrasing be used in academic writing?
Yes, but it must be properly cited to avoid plagiarism.
Is it easier to metaphrase or paraphrase?
This depends on the context and the translator's skills; both have unique challenges.
Is paraphrase subjective?
Yes, paraphrasing involves personal interpretation to some degree.
What skills are important for metaphrasing?
Skills in both the source and target languages, and attention to detail.
What skills are important for paraphrasing?
Strong understanding of the subject matter and ability to convey ideas clearly.
Can metaphrase be used for all types of texts?
Not effectively; poetic or idiomatic expressions may not translate well literally.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
