Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Phrase
Phrase
,Noun.
[F., fr. L.
phrasis
diction, phraseology, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to speak.] 1.
A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence;
as, an adverbial
. phrase
“Convey” the wise it call. “Steal!” foh! a fico for the
phrase
. Shakespeare
2.
A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech;
as,
. to err is human
3.
A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression.
“Phrases of the hearth.” Tennyson.
Thou speak’st
In better
In better
phrase
and matter than thou didst. Shakespeare
4.
(Mus.)
A short clause or portion of a period.
☞ A composition consists first of sentences, or periods; these are subdivided into sections, and these into phrases.
Phrase book
, a book of idiomatic phrases.
J. S. Blackie.
Phrase
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Phrased
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Phrasing
.] [Cf. F.
phraser
.] To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
“These suns – for so they phrase 'em.” Shak.
Phrase
,Verb.
I.
1.
To use proper or fine phrases.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Phrase
PHRASE
,Noun.
1.
A short sentence or expression. A phrase may be complete, as when it conveys complete sense, as humanum est errare, to err is human; or it may be incomplete, as when it consists of several words without affirming any thing, or when the noun and the verb do the office of a noun only; as, that which is true, that is, truth, satisfied the mind.2.
A particular mode of speech; a peculiar sentence of short idiomatic expression; as a Hebrew phrase; an Italian phrase.3.
Style; expression. Thou speak'st
In better phrase.
4.
In music, any regular symmetrical course of notes which begin and complete the intended expression.PHRASE
,Verb.
T.
These suns,
For so they phrase them.
Definition 2024
Phrase
phrase
phrase
English
Noun
phrase (plural phrases)
| Examples (grammar) |
|---|
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noun phrase: the big bird - head: bird |
- A short written or spoken expression.
- (grammar) A word or group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.
- 2013 November 30, Paul Davis, “Letters: Say it as simply as possible”, in The Economist, volume 409, number 8864:
- Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia?
-
- (music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
- (archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.
- Tennyson
- phrases of the hearth
- Shakespeare
- Thou speak'st / In better phrase and matter than thou didst.
- Tennyson
Synonyms
- (expression): figure of speech, locution
- See also Wikisaurus:phrase
Derived terms
Terms derived from the noun phrase
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See also
Translations
short written or spoken expression
|
|
grammar: group of two or more words that express an idea but do not form a complete sentence
|
|
music: small section of music in a larger piece
Verb
phrase (third-person singular simple present phrases, present participle phrasing, simple past and past participle phrased)
- (intransitive, music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
- (transitive, music) To divide into melodic phrases.
- (transitive) To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of words.
- Shakespeare
- These suns — for so they phrase 'em.
- Shakespeare
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
music: to perform a passage with the correct phrasing
|
|
to express by means of words
music: to divide into melodic phrases
|
Anagrams
French
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /fʁaz/
Noun
phrase f (plural phrases)
- (false friend) sentence
Anagrams
Portuguese
Noun
phrase f (plural phrases)
- Obsolete spelling of frase (used in Portugal until September 1911 and died out in Brazil during the 1920s).