Phrase

/freɪz/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A group of words that express a concept and are used as a unit within a sentence.

She often quotes the phrase 'seize the day' to inspire her students.

An expression that conveys a particular meaning, often metaphorical or idiomatic.

The phrase 'kick the bucket' means to die.

A short musical passage or melody.

The song features a catchy phrase that repeats throughout the chorus.

verb

To express something in a particular way or to put into words.

She phrashed her concerns carefully to avoid offending anyone.

Middle English: from Old French 'phrase', from Latin 'phrasis', from Greek 'phrasis', meaning 'speech' or 'expression'.

catchphrase

A trendy or memorable phrase often used in advertising.

turn of phrase

An expression or wording that is the result of skilled or creative articulation.

phrasebook

A book of useful phrases for travelers.

sentence

A set of words that conveys a complete thought.

clause

A group of words containing a subject and a predicate.

idiom

A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

Word on the street.

That phrase is something everyone knows around here.

A catchy or popular saying.

They've got a phrase for everything these days.