Phase Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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phase

[feษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in science

A phase is a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development.

Synonyms

period, stage, step.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phase

Used to describe a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development. Often implies a temporary or transitional state.

  • The project is in its final phase.
  • He went through a rebellious phase during his teenage years.
stage

Denotes a point, phase, or step in a process, development, or series of events. Often used in developmental or procedural contexts.

  • The disease was discovered in its early stages.
  • They are at the planning stage of the project.
period

Refers to a length of time during which a series of events or an event occurs, often with a defined start and end.

  • The Renaissance period was marked by a revival in art and literature.
  • She has a free period after lunch.
step

Describes an individual action or movement towards a specific end or goal. Emphasizes progression or sequence.

  • The first step in baking a cake is to preheat the oven.
  • Learning a new language takes many small steps.

Examples of usage

  • The project is entering its final phase.
  • The moon goes through different phases during its cycle.
Context #2 | Verb

in physics

To phase means to synchronize the waves of (an oscillation, signal, or process).

Synonyms

align, synchronize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phase

This word is often used in project management or development to describe a specific stage in a process or cycle.

  • We are currently in the planning phase of the project.
  • The experiment will be conducted in several phases.
synchronize

This word is usually employed when describing the act of making events or actions happen at the same time or at the same rate. It is commonly used in technical or teamwork contexts.

  • Let's synchronize our watches before the operation.
  • The software allows you to synchronize your files across multiple devices.
align

This is commonly used in contexts where things need to be made to match up correctly, such as strategies, values, or physical objects.

  • We need to align our marketing strategy with our goals.
  • Make sure the text aligns with the image on the page.

Examples of usage

  • The two signals need to be phased correctly for the experiment to work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In science, particularly physics, a phase can refer to the distinct forms of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
  • The concept of 'phase transitions' explains how materials change states, like ice melting into water.
  • Astronomy uses 'phase' to describe the visible shape of the moon or planets as they orbit and change in appearance.

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'phase' can denote stages of human development, such as the different phases of childhood or adolescence.
  • Understanding phases in behavior can help in identifying patterns and changes in emotions at various life stages.
  • Therapy often addresses phases of trauma recovery, marking progress through distinct stages of healing.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often go through different phases of growth, showcasing their development.
  • The term is also used in music, where artists may refer to their creative evolution as different phases.
  • Popular series like 'Star Wars' have distinct phases of storytelling, leading to different arcs and character developments.

Technology

  • In technology, a project might have different phases such as planning, development, and testing.
  • In software development, each phase of a project contributes to the overall functionality and completion.
  • The term 'phase' is frequently used in electronics to describe alternating currents and signal shifts.

Origin of 'phase'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'phase' comes from the Greek word 'phasis,' meaning 'appearance' or 'showing.'
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to the appearance of celestial bodies.
  • The term has evolved to encompass various meanings over time, including stages in processes.

The word 'phase' originated from the Greek word 'phaรญsis', meaning 'appearance' or 'aspect'. It has been used in various fields such as science, physics, and technology to describe different stages or synchronization processes.


See also: phases.

Word Frequency Rank

At #983 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.