Definitions for: Phrase


[n] an expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb
[n] a short musical passage
[n] an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
[v] put into words or an expression; "He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees"



Webster (1913) Definition: Phrase, n. [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology,
Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak.]
1. A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually
two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or
being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.

``Convey'' the wise it call. ``Steal!'' foh! a fico
for the phrase. --Shak.

2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often
employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to
err is human.

3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any
one expreses himself; diction; expression. ``Phrases of
the hearth.'' --Tennyson.

Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou
didst. --Shak.

4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period.

Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods;
these are subdivided into sections, and these into
phrases.

Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. --J. S. Blackie.


Phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Phrased; p. pr. & vb. n.
Phrasing.] [Cf. F. phraser.]
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
``These suns -- for so they phrase 'em.'' --Shak.


Phrase, v. i.
1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]

2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well.
See Phrase, n., 4.

Synonyms: articulate, formulate, idiom, idiomatic expression, musical phrase, phrasal idiom, set phrase, word

See Also: air, ask, cast, catch phrase, catchphrase, construction, couch, dogmatise, dogmatize, evince, express, expression, formularise, formularize, frame, grammatical construction, head word, headword, lexicalise, lexicalize, ligature, line, locution, melodic line, melodic phrase, melody, modifier, musical passage, noun phrase, ostinato, passage, predicate, prepositional phrase, put, qualifier, redact, response, saying, show, strain, tune, verb phrase

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