Microsoft Word stilistika O'UM. doc

Periphrasis. Periphrasis is the use of a longer phrase instead of a possible 
shorter one. Periphrasis is always a word combination and it is used instead of a 
generally accepted word. 
I understood you are poor, and wish to earn money by nursing the little boy. 
my son. who has been deprived of what can never been replaced. (Dickens «Dombey 
and son») 

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Every periphrasis indicates a new feature of a phenomenon which occurred to 
the writer. For this reason periphrasis is used to convey a purely individual perception 
of a given phenomenon. If you are successful in cribbing your way through the 
nursery games known here as examinations. I prophesy for you great and shining 
future. Periphrasis like all stylistic devices can be traditional (trite) and genuine 
(individual). 
Traditional periphrasis as a result of frequent repetition may become 
established in the language. 
Cap and gown - student; the fair sex – women, a gentleman of the long robe - a 
lawyer: 
My better half- my wife. 
Genuine periphrasis is an individual creation which often contains in itself 
metaphor or metonymy. 
1- Metaphorical periphrasis e.g. the sky - lamp of the night 
His studio is probably full of mute evidence of his failure 
2. Metonymical periphrasis e.g. He marries a good deal of money. He fell in love 
married and surrounded himself with little rosy cheeks 
Another type of periphrasis is a euphemistic periphrasis. Euphemistic 
periphrasis substitutes a mild neutral expression for one which seems to be coaree or 
unpleasant. 
Euphemisms have appeared in the language as a result of so-called “tabbo”, 
Superstitious people are used to avoid mentioning objects and notions which signify 
disaster: - to die - to pass away. 
Periphrasis has different functions: 
1. the function of creating elevated, high flown 
2. the function of additional characteristic of object and phenomena 
3. the function of creating humorous or satiric effect.