Phrase
/freɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsA small group of words forming a unit within a sentence.
/freɪz/
A small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause.
The politician used a carefully chosen phrase to address the controversial topic.
💡 Simply: A phrase is like a mini-sentence; it's a group of words that goes together and says something specific, but isn't a whole thought on its own. Like, 'in the park' is a phrase.
👶 For kids: A phrase is like a bunch of words that go together, but it's not a whole sentence.
More Examples
The phrase 'once upon a time' is a classic beginning to many fairy tales.
She struggled to remember the exact phrase from the song.
How It's Used
"He used a clever phrase to describe the situation."
"The author's use of particular phrases created a vivid image in the reader's mind."
"A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective or adverb."
To put words together in a particular way; to express.
/freɪz/
To express something in a particular way.
The diplomat carefully phrased his response to avoid escalating the conflict.
💡 Simply: To phrase something is to say it in a certain way, like you’re picking the perfect words and order to say something. Like, you're trying to *phrase* your request politely.
👶 For kids: To phrase means to put your words together in a special way.
More Examples
She phrased her request as a suggestion rather than a demand.
The author beautifully phrases his descriptions.
How It's Used
"She carefully phrased her email to avoid any misunderstandings."
"He struggled to phrase his complex ideas in a way the audience could understand."
"How would you phrase that question?"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a turn of phrase
A particular way of saying something.
"He's got a real *turn of phrase* when he gets going; he can really string words together."
In a phrase
In a short way.
"In a phrase, the event was a disaster."
From French *phrase* (13th c.), from Latin *phrasis*, from Greek *phrásis* 'a speaking, expression'.
The word 'phrase' has been used since the 13th century in English, derived from the French and Latin words.
Memory tip
Think of a short, catchy saying—that's a phrase!
Word Origin
"a way of speaking or expressing oneself"