phrase English · revision 6102

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1530|origins=grc φράζω}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /freɪz/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|la-lat|phrasis|t=diction]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[grc|φράσις|tr=phrásis|t=speech, way of speaking]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986) from [[m|grc|φράζω|tr=phrázō|t=to point out, tell, declare]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) of uncertain origin; it may be connected with [[m|grc|φρήν|tr=phrḗn|t=mind, heart, midriff]] (see [[frenetic]]).^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) Early English also used the Latin form phrasis, and Hoad suggests the singular phrase was evolved from its plural, phrases.^(Hoad 1986)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Manner or style of expression, and a small group of words expressing a single notion: 1530, in Palsgrave's ''Lesclarcissement''.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ A characteristic or pithy expression, a set phrase, is from 1579.^(OED 1989)^(Hoad 1986) In music, a short passage forming a more or less independent unit is from 1789.^(OED 1989) In grammar a phrase became a group of words without a finite verb, as opposed to a [[clause]].^(OED 1989)^(Collins 2023) In Scots and northern dialect phrase was exclamatory or exaggerated talk, a fuss (1725).^(OED 1989)^(Wright 1898) The verb meant to use phrases before 1550 and to express in a particular way from 1570,^(Barnhart 1988) the 1560s in Etymonline.^(Etymonline) [[phraseology|alt=Phraseology]] is from the 17th century, from a spurious Greek form.^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1530 – a manner of expression, a group of words.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1570 – to express in words.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1579 – a characteristic expression.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1725 – fuss, exaggerated talk, in Scots.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1789 – a musical phrase.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A group of words that form a unit, especially one without a finite verb within a [[clause]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A short, apt expression, or a characteristic way of saying something.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(music)'' A short passage forming a unit in a [[melody]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To express in words, especially in a particular way.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(music)'' To divide into or perform in phrases.^(AHD)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[phrasal]]

+ * [[phrasally]]

+ * [[catchphrase]]

+ * [[phrasemaker]]

+ * [[phraseology]]

+ * [[misphrase]]

+ * [[phrasemonger]]

+ * [[phraseogram]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[paraphrase]]

+ * [[rephrase]]

+ * [[periphrasis]]

+ * [[frenetic]]

+ * [[frenzy]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}