phase
fayz
Phase (noun) means a distinct stage in a process or sequence of change. Example: “The project is now entering its final phase.”
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."
"The caterpillar passes through a quiet phase before it becomes a butterfly."
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."
"Tonight the moon is in its full phase and shines brightly."
"The children drew each phase of the moon in their science notebooks."
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."
"The electrician explained that the building has a three phase power supply."
"When two waves are in phase, their peaks line up exactly."
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."
"The school will phase in the new timetable one year group at a time."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- phases
- Third person singular
- phases
- Past tense
- phased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Related words
Rhymes for phase
See all rhymes for phase →Frequently asked questions
What does “phase” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “phase”?
“Phase” is pronounced fayz (/feɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “phase” in a sentence?
Here is “phase” used in a sentence: “The project is now entering its final phase.”
What part of speech is “phase”?
Depending on how it is used, “phase” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “phase” come from?
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.".
Is “phase” a common word?
“Phase” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “phase” have?
“Phase” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinct stage in a process or sequence of change.
What is the difference between phase and faze?
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.
What is the difference between phase and stage?
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.
What is an example of a phase?
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.
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