Phrase Meaning
Phrase Definition & Usage
A small group of words that form a meaningful unit, often used as an expression or idiomatic combination.
Examples
- "The phrase 'break the ice' means to make people feel more comfortable in a social situation."
- "She used the phrase 'time flies' to describe how quickly the day had gone by."
- "When someone says 'it’s raining cats and dogs', they’re using a phrase to describe heavy rain."
- "The teacher asked the students to come up with a phrase that would describe their holiday experience."
- "He struggled to find the right phrase to express his feelings during the speech."
A group of words that function together as a single unit of meaning, typically without a subject and predicate.
Examples
- "In the sentence 'She is very good at playing the piano', 'very good at playing the piano' is a phrase that functions as a noun."
- "The phrase 'in the morning' serves as an adverbial phrase indicating time."
- "The phrase 'running late' is used to describe someone who is behind schedule."
- "I’ve never heard the phrase 'to be in the same boat' used in such a serious conversation."
- "The phrase 'too good to be true' expresses disbelief or surprise."
To express or articulate an idea or thought in a specific way.
Examples
- "She phrased her request very politely to avoid sounding demanding."
- "He couldn’t phrase his apology correctly, so it came across as insincere."
- "It’s important to phrase your feedback in a constructive manner."
- "He tried to phrase the question so it wouldn’t offend anyone."
- "The way you phrase your arguments can make all the difference in a debate."
Cultural Context
The word 'phrase' has its roots in Latin and Old French, initially meaning a way of speaking or a mode of expression. Over time, it evolved to describe a group of words with a specific meaning. In English, phrases are commonly used both in everyday conversation and in more formal settings, often as idiomatic expressions or linguistic structures.
The Phrasing Game
Story
The Phrasing Game
At the annual community gathering, the speaker’s challenge was to entertain the crowd with clever phrases. 'How should I phrase this?' she wondered. 'Not too formal, but clever enough to be memorable.' She decided to start with a familiar phrase—'Time flies when you’re having fun'—and then turned it into something unique. As she continued her speech, she playfully phrased common sayings in new ways, prompting the audience to laugh and think. 'This is a turn of phrase, alright!' someone from the crowd shouted, appreciating her wit. Later, as she sat with her friends, they reflected on the role phrases play in our conversations, and how even the simplest phrases could leave a lasting impact. 'It’s all about the phrasing,' one of them remarked. By the end of the night, they were all discussing new ways to phrase their thoughts, realizing how much meaning can change with a single twist of words.
Related Words
