Phase

/feɪz/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A distinct period or stage in a process of change or development.

The project will be completed in three phases, starting with the planning stage.

A particular appearance or stage in a series of changes.

The moon goes through several phases every month, including new and full moon.

A stage in the development of an organism or phenomenon.

The caterpillar is in the larval phase before it becomes a butterfly.

verb

To arrange or schedule events in a particular sequence.

The engineers decided to phase the rollout of the new software to avoid system overload.

From Greek 'phasis', meaning 'appearance, speech'.

phase out

To gradually discontinue something.

in phase

Working harmoniously or synchronously.

out of phase

Not synchronized or harmonious.

phase in

To introduce gradually.

stages

Distinct periods in a process.

cycle

A series of events that repeat.

transition

The process of changing from one state to another.

A phase in personal development often seen as a trend.

She's in her 'vegan phase' right now.

A temporary habit or interest.

He's just going through a 'gamer phase'.