According to the Oxford English Dictionary, to “paraphrase” is to express the meaning of (a written or spoken passage, or the words of an author or speaker) using different words, esp. to achieve greater clarity. To the extent that you cannot state in our own words the meaning of a word, sentence, or passage, you lack an understanding of that word, sentence, or passage. You bring ideas into your thinking by “thinking them into our thinking.” One of the best ways to do this is to practice paraphrasing — writing in your own words your understanding of an idea, sentence, or passage.

This is easier said than done. To paraphrase a substantive sentence or passage effectively, the writer must come to think, and appreciate, the substantive thought behind the sentence or passage. Without this appreciation, without deeply understanding the thought expressed in the original, one cannot render that thought adequately in different words.

One way to paraphrase quotes is to begin by writing out your initial thoughts. Then paraphrase the quote in the light of your commentary. In your commentary, explain the significance of what is being talked about and what is being said. If there is an important concept at the heart of the quote — a concept such as democracy or power as in the two example quotes below — think through that concept before you paraphrase.