phrase

Etymology

From Late Latin phrasis (“diction”), from Ancient Greek φράσις (phrásis, “manner of expression”), from φράζω (phrázō, “I tell, express”).

noun

1. A short written or spoken expression.
2. (grammar) A word or, more commonly, a group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.
   Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia? 2013-11-30, Paul Davis, “Letters: Say it as simply as possible”, in The Economist, volume 409, number 8864
3. (music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
4. (archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.
5. (dance">dance) A short individual motion forming part of a choreographed dance">dance.

verb

1. (transitive) To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.
   I wasn't sure how to phrase my condolences without sounding patronising.
2. (intransitive, music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
3. (transitive, music) To divide into melodic phrases.