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Phrase

/fɹeɪz/

A short written or spoken expression.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Phrase"

noun

1
A short written or spoken expression.
2
(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.
3
A small section of music in a larger piece.
4
A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.

verb

1
To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.
"I wasn't sure how to phrase my condolences without sounding patronising."
2
To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
3
To divide into melodic phrases.

🔄 Synonyms of "Phrase"

8 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
articulateverb	(ambitransitive) To speak clearly; to enunciate.
formulateverb	(transitive) To put into a clear and definite form of statement or expression.
idiomnoun	A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.
wordnoun	(semantics) The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)
set phrasenoun	(grammar) An idiomatic expression in general.
idiomatic expressionnoun	an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
phrasal idiomnoun	an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
musical phrasenoun	a short musical passage

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Phrase"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
articulatenoun	(zoology) An animal of the subkingdom Articulata.
idiomnoun	A manner of speaking, a mode of expression peculiar to a language, language family, or group of people.
set phrasenoun	(grammar) An idiomatic expression in general.
wordnoun	(semantics) The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)
formulateverb	(transitive) To put into a clear and definite form of statement or expression.
idiomatic expressionnoun	an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
musical phrasenoun	a short musical passage
phrasal idiomnoun	an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
wordingnoun	A choice of words and the style in which they are used in a given context.
utterancenoun	An instance of that act or process: especially, something spoken (e.g., syllables, words, phrases); (especially linguistics) any such thing either spoken or written.
quotationnoun	(countable) A fragment of a human expression that is repeated by somebody else, for example from literature or a famous speech.
quotenoun	A statement attributed to a person; a quotation.
speechnoun	(uncountable) The ability to speak; the faculty of uttering words or articulate sounds and vocalizations to communicate.
catchphrasenoun	A repeated expression, often originating in popular culture.
expressionnoun	The action of expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc.
referencenoun	The act of referring: a submitting for information or decision.
rhetoricnoun	The art of using language, especially public speaking, as a means to persuade.
terminologynoun	The set of terms actually used in any business, art, science, or the like; nomenclature; technical terms.
watchwordnoun	A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
sayingnoun	A proverb or maxim.