Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   phrase

   /freɪz/

   noun

   • 1. a small group of words standing together as a conceptual unit, typically forming a component of a clause: "‘to improve standards’ is the key phrase here"
   • ▪ an idiomatic or short pithy expression: "his favourite phrase is ‘it's a pleasure’"
   • ▪ a group of notes forming a distinct unit within a longer passage: "the succession of downward phrases in the orchestra is so moving"
   • ▪ a group of steps within a longer sequence or dance.

   verb

   • 1. put into a particular form of words: "it's important to phrase the question correctly"
   • ▪ divide (music) into phrases in a particular way, especially in performance: "they phrased the music with gusto"

   Word Origin mid 16th century (in the sense ‘style or manner of expression’): via late Latin from Greek phrasis, from phrazein ‘declare, tell’.

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • P

     3

   • H

     4

   • R

     1

   • A

     1

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Dictionaries

   More definitions, origin and scrabble points