rephrase
To express the same idea using different words
Examples
In a meeting
“Let me rephrase that email so it sounds less demanding.”
Over coffee
“Can you rephrase your question? I didn't quite understand what you meant.”
Why this word
reword
Rephrase and reword are nearly identical, though rephrase slightly emphasizes restructuring meaning
restate
Rephrase changes the wording while keeping meaning, restate may use same or similar words
paraphrase
Rephrase is briefer rewording, paraphrase typically involves fuller explanation or expansion
Usage tip
Use when you need to say something again with different wording for better clarity or tone
Etymology
English re- (again) + phrase (from Greek phrazein, to tell)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.