Metaphrase is defined as a word-for-word translation of text from one language to another, preserving the original meaning and structure as closely as possible. In contrast to paraphrase, which conveys the same idea in different words and often takes more creative liberties, metaphrase focuses on accuracy and fidelity to the source material. It is often used in contexts such as literary translation, academic writing, and legal documentation, where precision in language is crucial.
Metaphrase meaning with examples
- In her doctoral thesis, she employed a metaphrase of ancient Greek texts to ensure that every nuance of meaning was preserved, allowing readers to engage with the original language's subtleties.
- The translation of the legal document involved a metaphrase, ensuring that every term was accurately rendered to avoid ambiguities that could lead to disputes.
- He provided a metaphrase of the poem, offering readers a direct insight into the author's intent while maintaining the poem's structural integrity.
- The committee preferred a metaphrase for the international report, as it was essential that delegates from various countries understood the true meaning of the findings without room for misinterpretation.
- In her language class, the teacher emphasized the importance of metaphrase in translation, noting that a direct approach was sometimes the best way to convey complex ideas.