Phrases: meaning, definitions and examples

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phrases

[ˈfreɪzɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

commonly used in daily conversations

A small group of words that are put together in a fixed order to create a meaningful expression.

Synonyms

expression, idiom, saying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
phrases	Used to refer to any short group of words intended to convey a particular meaning. Often used in everyday speech and writing. He often uses phrases like 'on the other hand' and 'as a matter of fact'. Her speech was full of interesting phrases.
expression	Typically refers to a specific way of saying something that conveys a certain feeling or idea. Can be found in both written and spoken language. The expression 'break a leg' means 'good luck' in theater. She had a sad expression on her face.
idiom	A type of expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. Often culturally specific. He kicked the bucket, which is an idiom meaning 'he died'. Learning idioms is a fun way to understand English better.
saying	Mostly refers to a well-known and wise statement that gives advice or reflects a common truth, often passed down through generations. 'Actions speak louder than words' is a common saying. My grandmother always told me the saying 'A stitch in time saves nine'.

Examples of usage

Common English phrases include 'let's go', 'how are you?', and 'thank you'.
Learning common phrases in a new language can help you communicate more effectively.
She used a phrase in French that I didn't understand.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in linguistics

A group of two or more words that function together as a unit in the syntax of a sentence.

Synonyms

group of words, unit of language.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
phrases	Used when referring to a small group of words that express an idea and are part of a sentence. It often implies a specific set of words that convey a specific meaning or intent. She always uses interesting phrases in her speeches. I learned a few useful phrases in my French class.
group of words	Used more generally to refer to any collection of words without necessarily implying that they form a meaningful unit. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The teacher asked us to rearrange the group of words to form a sentence. A group of words flashed on the screen.
unit of language	A more formal and technical term used mainly in linguistic or academic discussions to refer to any identifiable segment of language. It could include words, phrases, clauses, etc. A morpheme is the smallest unit of language that carries meaning. Linguists analyze different units of language to understand their functions.

Word

Description / Examples

phrases

Used when referring to a small group of words that express an idea and are part of a sentence. It often implies a specific set of words that convey a specific meaning or intent.

She always uses interesting phrases in her speeches.
I learned a few useful phrases in my French class.

group of words

Used more generally to refer to any collection of words without necessarily implying that they form a meaningful unit. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

The teacher asked us to rearrange the group of words to form a sentence.
A group of words flashed on the screen.

unit of language

A more formal and technical term used mainly in linguistic or academic discussions to refer to any identifiable segment of language. It could include words, phrases, clauses, etc.

A morpheme is the smallest unit of language that carries meaning.
Linguists analyze different units of language to understand their functions.

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'the black cat', 'the black' is a phrase that functions as an adjective.
He analyzed the sentence structure and identified the noun phrase.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'phrase' comes from the Greek word 'phrasis,' which means 'speech' or 'expression.'
Before 'phrase' was commonly used, similar words were used in English like 'saying' and 'expression.'
The term has evolved over centuries to mean smaller groups of words in language.

Linguistics

In grammar, a phrase can be a noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase, and more, each serving different functions in sentences.
Phrases differ from clauses because they do not have a subject and a verb working together.
Common phrases are often referred to as idioms, which have meanings that are different from the individual words in them.

Psychology

Studies show that phrases are easier to remember than single words due to their context and meaning.
The way phrases are structured can influence how people perceive meaning and can evoke emotions.
Phrases used in communication often create connections, making it easier for people to relate and remember messages.

Literature

Famous phrases are often quoted in literature, capturing feelings or thoughts in memorable ways, like 'to be or not to be.'
Authors like Shakespeare and Mark Twain are known for their iconic phrases that have become part of everyday language.
Phrases in poetry create rhythm and meaning, enhancing the overall beauty and understanding of the message.

Pop Culture

Phrases from movies or TV shows often become catchphrases, representing popular culture, such as 'I'll be back' from the Terminator.
Social media has popularized many short phrases, allowing them to spread quickly and become part of everyday conversation.
Music lyrics are often composed of memorable phrases that resonate with listeners, creating a connection between the artist and audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "phrases" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frases

🇮🇳 वाक्यांश

🇩🇪 Sätze

🇮🇩 frase

🇺🇦 фрази

🇵🇱 zwroty

🇯🇵 フレーズ

🇫🇷 phrases

🇪🇸 frases

🇹🇷 ifadeler

🇰🇷 구절

🇸🇦 عبارات

🇨🇿 fráze

🇸🇰 frázy

🇨🇳 短语

🇸🇮 fraze

🇮🇸 setningar

🇰🇿 сөйлемдер

🇬🇪 ფრაზები

🇦🇿 ifadələr

🇲🇽 frases

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,579 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5576 conveyance
5577 ideological
5578 ambition
5579 phrases
5580 drives
5581 openly
5582 solemn
...