noun
phase
fayz
noun
1
A distinct stage in a process or sequence of change.
"The project is now entering its final phase."
"Toddlers often go through a picky-eating phase."
2
The particular shape of the moon or a planet as it appears at a given time, based on how much of it is lit.
"The lunar phase tonight is a waxing crescent."
3
In physics or electrical engineering, the position of a wave or current cycle at a given moment, or one line of a multi-line power supply.
"The two signals were out of phase with each other."
verb
1
To carry out gradually in planned stages (often "phase in") or to remove gradually (often "phase out").
"The company plans to phase out plastic packaging by next year."
"New safety rules will be phased in over the coming months."
How to Use Phase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stage something goes through, or (as a verb) to introduce or remove something step by step.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "faze," which means to disturb or unsettle someone ("nothing fazes her").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
phase out
phase in
a difficult phase
go through a phase
Word Forms
phased past tense, phases plural, phases singular
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The project is now entering its final _____.
Etymology
From Greek phasis, meaning "an appearance," related to phainein, "to show" or "to appear" — the same root that gives us "phantom" and "phenomenon."