noun

phrasing

FRAY-zihng

noun

The particular way words are chosen and arranged in speech or writing.

"The lawyer questioned the phrasing of the contract clause."

The way musical notes are grouped and shaped when performed, affecting tempo, volume, and emphasis.

"The violinist's phrasing gave the melody an emotional weight."

How to Use Phrasing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow something is worded, or (in music) how a passage is shaped when it's played.

Common pairings

awkward phrasing musical phrasing

phrasings plural

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The lawyer questioned the _____ of the contract clause.

casing basing easing teasing leasing chasing pleasing greasing releasing increasing decreasing purchasing