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noun

phrasing

FRAY-zihng

Phrasing (noun) means the particular way words are chosen and arranged in speech or writing. Example: “The lawyer questioned the phrasing of the contract clause.”

noun
1
The particular way words are chosen and arranged in speech or writing.
"The lawyer questioned the phrasing of the contract clause."
2
The way musical notes are grouped and shaped when performed, affecting tempo, volume, and emphasis.
"The violinist's phrasing gave the melody an emotional weight."

How to Use Phrasing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow something is worded, or (in music) how a passage is shaped when it's played.

Common pairings
awkward phrasing musical phrasing

Word Forms

phrasings plural

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Fill the Gap

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The lawyer questioned the _____ of the contract clause.

wording diction verbiage phraseology choice of words

Related Words

Rhymes for phrasing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “phrasing” mean?

The word “phrasing” means the particular way words are chosen and arranged in speech or writing. In plain terms, how something is worded, or (in music) how a passage is shaped when it's played.

How do you pronounce “phrasing”?

“Phrasing” is pronounced FRAY-zihng (/ˈfɹeɪzɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “phrasing” in a sentence?

Here is “phrasing” used in a sentence: “The lawyer questioned the phrasing of the contract clause.”

What part of speech is “phrasing”?

“Phrasing” is a noun.

How many meanings does “phrasing” have?

“Phrasing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the particular way words are chosen and arranged in speech or writing.

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