noun
phrase
FRAYZ
noun
1
A short group of words that expresses an idea, often forming part of a sentence.
""Break a leg" is a phrase actors use to wish each other luck."
"She underlined a few key phrases in the report."
verb
1
To express something using particular words.
"He phrased the question carefully so as not to offend anyone."
How to Use Phrase
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of words that go together, or the act of choosing your words carefully.
Common pairings
a catchy phrase
phrase a question
turn of phrase
Word Forms
phrased past tense, phrases plural, phrases singular
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"Break a leg" is a _____ actors use to wish each other luck.
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin phrasis ("diction"), from Greek phrasis ("manner of expression"), from phrazo, "to tell or express."