phrase
UK: freɪz | US: freɪz
n. a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit
n. a short musical passage
vt. to express in a particular way
The word "phrase" originates from the Greek phrazein ("to declare, tell"), entering Latin as phrasis ("diction, style of speech"). It evolved in Middle French as phrase ("a way of speaking") before being adopted into English in the 16th century. The morpheme phras- retains its core meaning of verbal expression, while the silent -e reflects its transition through Romance languages. The modern sense emphasizes structured linguistic units, mirroring the Greek focus on deliberate articulation.
She carefully crafted each phrase in her speech.
The musical phrase was repeated throughout the composition.
He phrased his apology to sound sincere.
"Under the weather" is an idiomatic phrase.
The poet’s elegant phrases captivated the audience.