noun / verb
phrase
FRAYZ/freɪz/
A meaningful group of words within a larger expression.
The words “under the table” form a single phrase.
Etymology
Greek phrasis meant speech or a way of speaking. English applied this idea of expression to a brief group of words conveying a single notion.
In context
a referring expression is any bit of language, like a noun phrase
More examples
- The phrase “after lunch” tells us when to meet.
- She phrases her request as a polite question.
- He underlines an unfamiliar phrase in the paragraph.
Forms
phrase · phrases · phrased · phrasing
phrasing noun — The particular wording used to express something.
Similar words
- expression
- Can name a complete saying, not just a word group.
- wording
- Focuses on the choice of words rather than their grouping.