Metaphrase meaning

Metaphrase is the literal translation of a text from one language to another.


Metaphrase definitions

Word backwards esarhpatem
Part of speech Metaphrase is a noun.
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word "metaphrase" is me-ta-phrase.
Plural The plural of metaphrase is metaphrases.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (6) m,t,p,h,r,s

What is Metaphrase?

Metaphrase is a term used in linguistics to describe the direct translation of a text from one language to another. Unlike paraphrasing, which aims to convey the same meaning in a different way, metaphrasing involves staying as close as possible to the original wording and sentence structure. This can be particularly useful when trying to preserve the nuances and cultural context of the original text.

How Does Metaphrase Differ from Paraphrase?

In a paraphrase, the goal is to rephrase the content in a more simplified or clearer manner without necessarily keeping the original wording or structure. On the other hand, metaphrase involves a more literal translation, striving to maintain the original syntax, tone, and style of the text. This can be beneficial when working with legal documents, literature, or any material where the specific choice of words is crucial.

The Importance of Metaphrase in Translation

Metaphrase plays a critical role in the field of translation, especially when dealing with highly technical or specialized content. It allows translators to convey the precise meaning of the original text without sacrificing accuracy or context. By focusing on maintaining the original language's structure and wording, metaphrase ensures that the translated text retains the same impact and message as the source material.

Metaphrase requires a deep understanding of both languages involved in the translation process. Translators must not only be proficient in the vocabulary and grammar of each language but also be attuned to the subtle nuances and cultural references that could affect the translation. This attention to detail is what sets metaphrase apart from other translation techniques and makes it a valuable tool for preserving the integrity of the original text.

In conclusion, metaphrase is a valuable technique in the field of translation that focuses on providing a direct, word-for-word translation of a text. By staying true to the original wording and structure, metaphrase allows translators to convey the precise meaning and nuances of the source material. This technique is particularly useful when working with complex or specialized content where accuracy and fidelity to the original text are paramount. Metaphrase embodies the essence of linguistic precision and serves as a cornerstone in the art of translation.


Metaphrase Examples

  1. The translator provided a metaphrase of the poem, capturing the literal meaning of each line.
  2. Metaphrase is often used in language classes to help students understand the true meaning of foreign texts.
  3. She was known for her ability to metaphrase complex philosophical writings in a way that was easy for others to comprehend.
  4. The software uses metaphrase to translate technical documents accurately without losing any nuances.
  5. The professor asked the students to provide a metaphrase of the Shakespearean sonnet for homework.
  6. In order to preserve the original author's voice, the translator opted for a metaphrase instead of a paraphrase.
  7. The challenge of metaphrase lies in finding equivalent words and phrases that convey the same meaning across languages.
  8. The ancient texts were translated using metaphrase, preserving the word-by-word structure of the original language.
  9. The art of metaphrase requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages.
  10. The book was published with both a metaphrase translation and a more liberal paraphrase for readers to choose from.


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  • Updated 02/05/2024 - 11:53:39