Metaphrase vs. Paraphrase: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
Metaphrase is a word-for-word translation, while paraphrase involves rewording a text to convey its meaning in a different manner.
Difference Between Metaphrase and Paraphrase
Metaphrase and paraphrase are two terms related to the art of translating or interpreting text. However, they approach the process from different angles. Metaphrase focuses on providing a direct, word-for-word translation of the original content. It's a literal interpretation where each word from the source language is replaced by its equivalent in the target language, often without much consideration for idiom or tone.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, paraphrase is about capturing the essence or meaning of the original text, without sticking to the exact wording. Instead of a strict, verbatim translation, paraphrasing seeks to convey the same message but in a way that might be clearer or more suitable for a particular audience. Paraphrasing often requires a deeper understanding of the source material because the translator or writer must grasp the original's nuances and intent.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
One can think of metaphrase as being more mechanical, a straightforward swap of words from one language to another. It often doesn't account for cultural nuances, idioms, or figures of speech. As a result, while the translation might be accurate in terms of individual words, it might not always make complete sense or feel natural in the target language.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Paraphrase, however, emphasizes fluidity and comprehension. When a text is paraphrased, it might look quite different from the original, but its core message remains intact. The intention is to produce a version that reads naturally and is easily understood in the new language or context, even if the exact phrasing changes.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Metaphrase vs. Paraphrase Comparison Chart
Application
Strict, literal translation
Clearer or context-appropriate version
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Cultural Nuances
Often doesn't account for them
Adjusts for cultural and idiomatic nuances
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Metaphrase vs. Paraphrase Definitions
◉Metaphrase
Word-for-word interpretation.
He used metaphrase to convert the sentence into French, keeping each word's meaning.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
A restatement using different words.
Her paraphrase of the complex theory made it easier to understand.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Metaphrase
A literal translation.
The metaphrase of the Latin phrase provided a direct English counterpart.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
Rewording for clarity or simplicity.
The professor's paraphrase of the text made the topic accessible to all students.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Metaphrase
A direct linguistic conversion.
Using metaphrase, he ensured no meaning was lost or added.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
An interpretation that retains original meaning.
The paraphrase of the poem retained its sentiment, even in modern language.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Metaphrase
A verbatim translation without altering structure.
The ancient text's metaphrase preserved its poetic rhythm.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
A non-literal reexpression.
The legal document's paraphrase was easier for the general public to grasp.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Metaphrase
Strict reproduction in another language.
She opted for metaphrase to retain the document's original formality.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
A version adjusted for a new audience or context.
His paraphrase of the ancient story made it relatable to today's readers.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Paraphrase
A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Paraphrase
The restatement of texts in other words as a studying or teaching device.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Metaphrase
To manipulate the wording of (a text), especially as a means of subtly altering the sense.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Paraphrase
The adaptation or alteration of a text or quotation to serve a different purpose from that of the original.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Metaphrase
A verbal translation; a version or translation from one language into another, word for word; a literal translation; - opposed to paraphrase.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Paraphrase
A restatement of a text in different words, often to clarify meaning.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Paraphrase
(Scotland) One of a certain number of Scripture passages turned into verse for use in the service of praise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Paraphrase
(ambitransitive) To restate something as, or to compose a paraphrase.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Metaphrase vs. Paraphrase Frequently Asked Questions
What is metaphrase?
Metaphrase is a literal, word-for-word translation of text.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
What does paraphrase mean?
Paraphrase involves rewording a text to convey the same meaning in a different manner.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Why use metaphrase?
Metaphrase is used when a strict, exact translation is needed without alterations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Why might someone choose paraphrase over metaphrase?
Paraphrase can offer clearer communication, especially if the original wording might be confusing or not resonate with the target audience.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Can paraphrasing alter the original's intent?
If done incorrectly, yes, but the goal of paraphrasing is to maintain the original's intent while changing the wording.
William
Sep 26, 2023
Can metaphrase lead to confusion?
Yes, metaphrase can lead to confusion if it doesn't account for cultural or idiomatic nuances.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
When is paraphrasing more suitable?
Paraphrasing is suitable when clarity, cultural nuances, or context-appropriate expression is required.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Is metaphrase common in poetry translation?
While used, metaphrase can make poetry feel unnatural in the target language, so a balance with paraphrasing might be sought.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Is paraphrase always longer than the original?
Not necessarily; a paraphrase might be shorter, longer, or the same length, depending on the context.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How do you choose between metaphrase and paraphrase?
The choice depends on the purpose of the translation, the nature of the content, and the intended audience.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
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