'paraphrase' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'paraphrasis,' where 'para-' meant 'beside' and 'phrasis' meant 'speech.'

'paraphrasis' transformed into the Latin word 'paraphrasis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'paraphrase' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a restatement of a text or passage,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.