Definition of phrase
1 : a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction
2a : a brief expression; especially : catchphraseb : word
3 : a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4 : a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function an adverbial phrase
5 : a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern
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Examples of phrase in a Sentence
Answer the questions in complete sentences, not phrases.
She used the phrase “I strongly believe” too many times in her speech.
Underline the key words or phrases in the paragraph.
To borrow a phrase from my mother, I spend too much time “watching the boob tube” and not enough time outside.
Origin and Etymology of phrase
Latin phrasis, from Greek, from phrazein to point out, explain, tell
First Known Use: 1530
phrase
Definition of phrase
phrased
;phrasing
transitive verb
1a : to express in words or in appropriate or telling termsb : to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2 : to divide into melodic phrases
Examples of phrase in a Sentence
He phrased his version of the story in a way that made him look good.
The question was awkwardly phrased.
The singer phrased the music beautifully.
1556
First Known Use of phrase
1556
PHRASE Defined for English Language Learners
phrase
playDefinition of phrase for English Language Learners
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: a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence
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: a brief expression that is commonly used
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music : a short section of a longer piece of music
phrase
Definition of phrase for English Language Learners
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: to say (something) in a particular way
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: to perform (a piece of music) with the notes grouped together in a particular way
PHRASE Defined for Kids
Definition of phrase for Students
1 : a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not form a complete sentence The group of words “out the door” in “they ran out the door” is a phrase.
2 : a brief expression that is commonly used
Definition of phrase for Students
phrased
;phrasing
: to express in words The boy was unable to phrase his idea.
Learn More about phrase
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See words that rhyme with phrase Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for phrase Spanish Central: Translation of phrase Nglish: Translation of phrase for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of phrase for Arabic speakers
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