phase

The word “phase” means a distinct stage in a process or sequence of change. In plain terms, a stage something goes through, or (as a verb) to introduce or remove something step by step.

“Phase” is pronounced fayz (/feɪz/ in IPA).

Here is “phase” used in a sentence: “The project is now entering its final phase.”

Depending on how it is used, “phase” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “phase” comes from Greek. From Greek phasis, meaning "an appearance," related to phainein, "to show" or "to appear" — the same root that gives us "phantom" and "phenomenon.".

“Phase” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Phase” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinct stage in a process or sequence of change.

Phase is a noun meaning a stage in a process, like a phase of the moon or a project. Faze is a verb meaning to disturb or unsettle someone, as in 'the noise didn't faze her'. They sound alike but share no meaning: phase is about stages, faze is about being rattled.

The two are close and often interchangeable. A phase emphasises a period of change or a passing condition, like a phase in a child's development. A stage emphasises a fixed step in an ordered sequence, like stage two of a plan. Phases blend into one another; stages tend to feel more clearly marked.

The moon moving from new to full passes through phases. A building project might have a design phase, a construction phase, and a testing phase. In life, a teenager might go through a rebellious phase. Each is a distinct stretch within a longer process of change or development.