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Phrase vs Phase - What's the difference?

phrase | phase |

As nouns the difference between phrase and phase

is that phrase is a short written or spoken expression while phase is a distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time.

As verbs the difference between phrase and phase

is that phrase is to perform a passage with the correct phrasing while phase is to begin—if construed with "in"—or to discontinue—if construed with out—(doing) something over a period of time (i.e. in phases).

As a proper noun phase is

passover.

phrase

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • 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.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-11-30, volume=409, issue=8864, magazine=(The Economist), author=Paul Davis
  • , title= Letters: Say it as simply as possible , passage=Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“ On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia?}}
  • (music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
  • (archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.
  • * Tennyson
  • phrases of the hearth
  • * Shakespeare
  • Thou speak'st / In better phrase and matter than thou didst.

    Synonyms

    * (expression) figure of speech, locution * See also

    Derived terms

    * adjective phrase * adverb phrase * antecedent phrase * bombard phrase * catchphrase * consequent phrase * determiner phrase * empty phrase * noun phrase * participial phrase * phrasal * phrase book * phrase structure * phrasemaker * phraseology * prepositional phrase * set phrase * turn a phrase * verb phrase

    See also

    * (wikipedia)

    Verb

    (phras)
  • (music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
  • (music) To divide into melodic phrases.
  • To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of words.
  • * Shakespeare
  • These suns — for so they phrase 'em.

    Derived terms

    * phrasing

    Anagrams

    * ----

    phase

    English

    Etymology 1

    From ; compare phantasm and see face.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time.
  • That which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object.
  • Any appearance or aspect of an object of mental apprehension or view.
  • The problem has many phases .
  • (astronomy) A particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes with respect to quantity of illumination or form, or the absence, of its enlightened disk; as, the phases of the moon or planets''. Illustrated in .
  • (physics) Any one point or portion in a recurring series of changes, as in the changes of motion of one of the particles constituting a wave or vibration; one portion of a series of such changes, in distinction from a contrasted portion, as the portion on one side of a position of equilibrium, in contrast with that on the opposite side.
  • (chemistry) A component in a material system that is distinguished by chemical composition and/or physical state (solid, liquid or gas) and/or crystal structure. It is delineated from an adjoining phase by an abrupt change in one or more of those conditions.
  • (rugby union) The period of play between consecutive breakdowns.
  • * {{quote-news
  • , year=2011 , date=Septembe 24 , author=Ben Dirs , title=Rugby World Cup 2011: England 67-3 Romania , work=BBC Sport citation , page= , passage=When Romania did manage to string together' some ' phases midway through the first half, England's discipline held firm, although on the whole it was a less focused display from the Six Nations champions in the second half.}}
  • (genetics) A haplotype.
  • Verb

    (phas)
  • To begin—if construed with "in"—or to discontinue—if construed with out—(doing) something over a period of time (i.e. in phases).
  • The use of the obsolete machines was gradually phased''' out as the new models were '''phased in.
  • (genetics, informal, transitive) To determine haplotypes in (data) when genotypes are known.
  • To pass into or through a solid object.
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Usage notes
    See notes at faze .
    Derived terms
    * phase in * phase out * unphased

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) .

    Alternative forms

    * Phase

    Proper noun

    (en proper noun)
  • (obsolete) Passover
  • References

    Anagrams

    * * * English terms with homophones ----