PHRASE

phrase

(noun) dance movements that are linked in a single choreographic sequence

phrase

(noun) an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

phrase, musical phrase

(noun) a short musical passage

idiom, idiomatic expression, phrasal idiom, set phrase, phrase

(noun) an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up

phrase

(verb) divide, combine, or mark into phrases; “phrase a musical passage”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

phrase (plural phrases)

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.

(music) A small section of music in a larger piece.

(archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.

Synonyms

• (expression): figure of speech, locution

• See also phrase

Verb

phrase (third-person singular simple present phrases, present participle phrasing, simple past and past participle phrased)

(transitive) To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.

(intransitive, music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.

(transitive, music) To divide into melodic phrases.

Anagrams

• E sharp, E-sharp, Harpes, Sharpe, Sherpa, Spehar, e sharp, e-sharp, harpes, hepars, pasher, phares, phaser, raphes, seraph, shaper, sharpe, sherpa, shrape, sphear

Source: Wiktionary

Phrase, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology, Gr.

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. Shak.

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 phrase and matter than thou didst. Shak.

4. (Mus.)

Definition: A short clause or portion of a period.

Note: 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, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Phrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Phrasing.] Etym: [Cf. F. phraser.]

Definition: To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style. "These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." Shak.

Phrase, v. i.

1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]

2. (Mus.)

Definition: To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well. See Phrase, n., 4.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition