phrase

Definition

A short written or spoken expression.

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "Holonyms: clause, sentence; phrasing, phraseology, turn of phrase; phrase-book; document, message; language; communication"
• "Meronyms: head, complement, adjunct, supplement, modifier; term, word"
• "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?"