Summary vs. Paraphrase: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on November 9, 2023
A "Summary" condenses the main points of a text, while a "Paraphrase" rewords the text without shortening its original length.
Key Differences
A "Summary" is a brief statement or account of the main points of a text, capturing the essence without going into all details. Conversely, a "Paraphrase" is a restatement of a text, where the words change but the meaning remains the same.
While both "Summary" and "Paraphrase" involve transforming a text into one's own words, their purposes differ. A "Summary" condenses content to convey only the crucial points, whereas a "Paraphrase" may maintain the same length but alters the phrasing.
In academic writing, when students are asked to provide a "Summary", they're expected to extract the central ideas without copying the original text. On the other hand, when asked to "Paraphrase", they're expected to rephrase without changing the original meaning.
"Summary" and "Paraphrase" are tools that aid comprehension and avoid plagiarism. A "Summary" allows readers to understand the gist of a long text quickly, while a "Paraphrase" helps clarify complex statements or terms in more familiar language.
Often in research, a "Summary" is useful for providing an overview of a study's findings, while a "Paraphrase" can be used to reword a quote or statement from a source, ensuring the writer's work remains original while still referencing the source material.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To condense main points
To reword without changing meaning
Length
Shorter than the original text
Usually the same length as the original text
Usage
Captures essence without all details
Alters phrasing but retains original meaning
In Research
Provides an overview of findings
Rewords quotes or statements from a source
In Academic Writing
Extract central ideas without copying
Rephrase content without changing its essence
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Summary and Paraphrase Definitions
Summary
A condensed version highlighting the main points.
The book's summary provided a quick overview of the plot.
Paraphrase
A rendition of content with the same meaning but different phrasing.
To avoid plagiarism, she used a paraphrase of the source material.
Summary
An abstract that distills the primary concepts.
I read the article's summary to understand its focus.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text or passage in different words.
He provided a paraphrase of the original quote for clarity.
Summary
A concise version without unnecessary details.
The executive summary outlined the project's goals.
Paraphrase
A rewording to achieve better clarity or a different perspective.
The teacher asked the student to paraphrase the sentence.
Summary
A shortened form representing the gist.
His summary of the event captured its essence.
Paraphrase
A reformulation keeping the essence intact.
The poem's paraphrase captured its sentiment in simpler terms.
Summary
A brief account of the main ideas without detail.
She gave a summary of the lecture's key takeaways.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
Summary
A brief statement mentioning the main points of something
A summary of our findings.
Paraphrase
The restatement of texts in other words as a studying or teaching device.
Summary
Prose that provides information in a condensed format, as by mentioning only the most significant details of a narrative
The novelist did not like writing dialogue and preferred to write stories in summary.
Paraphrase
The adaptation or alteration of a text or quotation to serve a different purpose from that of the original.
Summary
Presenting the substance in a condensed form; concise
A summary review.
Paraphrase
To restate using different words, especially to clarify.
Summary
Performed speedily and without ceremony
Summary justice.
A summary rejection.
Paraphrase
To adapt or alter (a text or quotation) to serve a different purpose from that of the original
"It's tempting to paraphrase an environmental slogan and say, 'Think globally, pray locally'" (Christian Science Monitor).
Summary
Concise, brief or presented in a condensed form
A summary review is in the appendix.
Paraphrase
To compose a paraphrase.
Summary
Performed speedily and without formal ceremony.
They used summary executions to break the resistance of the people.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text in different words, often to clarify meaning.
Summary
(legal) Performed by skipping the procedures of a standard and fair trial.
Summary justice is bad justice.
Paraphrase
(Scotland) One of a certain number of Scripture passages turned into verse for use in the service of praise.
Summary
An abstract or a condensed presentation of the substance of a body of material.
Make a summary of the events
Paraphrase
(ambitransitive) To restate something as, or to compose a paraphrase.
Summary
Formed into a sum; summed up; reduced into a narrow compass, or into few words; short; brief; concise; compendious; as, a summary statement of facts.
Paraphrase
A restatement of a text, passage, or work, expressing the meaning of the original in another form, generally for the sake of its clearer and fuller exposition; a setting forth the signification of a text in other and ampler terms; a free translation or rendering; - opposed to metaphrase.
In paraphrase, or translation with latitude, the author's words are not so strictly followed as his sense.
Excellent paraphrases of the Psalms of David.
His sermons a living paraphrase upon his practice.
The Targums are also called the Chaldaic or Aramaic Paraphrases.
Summary
Hence, rapidly performed; quickly executed; as, a summary process; to take summary vengeance.
Paraphrase
To express, interpret, or translate with latitude; to give the meaning of a passage in other language.
We are put to construe and paraphrase our own words.
Summary
A general or comprehensive statement; an abridged account; an abstract, abridgment, or compendium, containing the sum or substance of a fuller account.
Paraphrase
To make a paraphrase.
Summary
A briefstatement that presents the main points in a concise form;
He gave a summary of the conclusions
Paraphrase
Rewording for the purpose of clarification
Summary
Performed speedily and without formality;
A summary execution
Summary justice
Paraphrase
Express the same message in different words
Summary
Briefly giving the gist of something;
A short and compendious book
A compact style is brief and pithy
Succinct comparisons
A summary formulation of a wide-ranging subject
Paraphrase
A rephrase without changing the original intent.
The document included a paraphrase of the legal jargon.
FAQs
Should a Summary include every detail from the original?
No, only the crucial points.
What's the primary goal of a Summary?
To condense the main points of a text.
How does a Paraphrase differ in length from the original text?
It usually maintains the original length.
When should I choose to Paraphrase rather than Summarize?
When you want to reword without omitting any part of the original content.
Can a Summary be subjective?
Generally, it should be objective, focusing on the text's main points.
Is Paraphrasing always longer than Summarizing?
Not necessarily; paraphrasing maintains content, while summarizing shortens it.
Is a Paraphrase just a direct synonym replacement?
No, it involves rephrasing while keeping the original meaning intact.
Can both Summary and Paraphrase help in avoiding plagiarism?
Yes, when original content is transformed into one's own words.
Do both Summary and Paraphrase require citation in academic writing?
Yes, both should reference the original source to avoid plagiarism.
Why is Paraphrasing useful in research?
It allows representation of source material in a fresh way, while still giving credit.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
