phrase
FRAYZ
Phrase (noun) means a short group of words that expresses an idea, often forming part of a sentence. Example: “Break a leg" is a phrase actors use to wish each other luck.”
noun
1
A short group of words that expresses an idea, often forming part of a sentence.
""Break a leg" is a phrase actors use to wish each other luck."
"She underlined a few key phrases in the report."
"The phrase "once in a blue moon" means something that happens very rarely."
verb
1
To express something using particular words.
"He phrased the question carefully so as not to offend anyone."
"How would you phrase this request so it sounds polite but clear?"
"She phrased her reply as a joke, so nobody took offence."
How to use phrase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of words that go together, or the act of choosing your words carefully.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a catchy phrase
phrase a question
turn of phrase
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Word forms
- Plural
- phrases
- Third person singular
- phrases
- Past tense
- phrased
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Break a leg" is a _____ actors use to wish each other luck.
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin phrasis ("diction"), from Greek phrasis ("manner of expression"), from phrazo, "to tell or express."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for phrase
See all rhymes for phrase →Frequently asked questions
What does “phrase” mean?
The word “phrase” means a short group of words that expresses an idea, often forming part of a sentence. In plain terms, a group of words that go together, or the act of choosing your words carefully.
How do you pronounce “phrase”?
“Phrase” is pronounced FRAYZ (/ˈfɹeɪ̯z/ in IPA).
How do you use “phrase” in a sentence?
Here is “phrase” used in a sentence: “"Break a leg" is a phrase actors use to wish each other luck.”
What is another word for “phrase”?
Words with a similar meaning to “phrase” include expression.
What part of speech is “phrase”?
Depending on how it is used, “phrase” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “phrase” come from?
The word “phrase” comes from Late Latin. Borrowed from Late Latin phrasis ("diction"), from Greek phrasis ("manner of expression"), from phrazo, "to tell or express.".
Is “phrase” a common word?
“Phrase” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “phrase” have?
“Phrase” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short group of words that expresses an idea, often forming part of a sentence.
What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?
A phrase is a short group of words that expresses an idea but lacks a subject and verb working together, such as 'in the morning' or 'a bright red car.' A clause does contain a subject and a verb and can sometimes stand alone as a complete sentence.
What is the difference between a phrase and a sentence?
A phrase is only part of a sentence and cannot stand on its own as a complete thought, while a sentence expresses a full idea and normally has a subject and a verb. 'Under the table' is a phrase, but 'the cat slept under the table' is a sentence.
What is the difference between a phrase and an idiom?
A phrase is any short group of words that forms a unit, whereas an idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'kick the bucket.' All idioms are phrases, but not all phrases are idioms.
How do you use 'phrase' as a verb?
As a verb, 'to phrase' means to express something using particular words, as in 'she phrased her question carefully.' It focuses on the choice and arrangement of words to convey a certain tone or meaning.
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