Reading Theme:
Phrase Meaning, Examples & How to Use It Correctly (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：fixed word group (phrase)
phrase
/freɪz/
n.
a small group of words that go together and have a meaning of their own, but are not a full sentence.
fixed word group
➕
/fɪkst wɜːrd ɡruːp/
n.
A phrase is a small group of words that function as a unit but do not form a complete sentence. It often has a specific meaning different from the individual words.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'phrasis' (way of speaking), via Latin 'phrasis'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'phrase' as a 'phrase' of music - a small group of notes that together create a meaningful sound.
📖 Example
When learning English, it's useful to underline a new phrase in your textbook and practice using it in a sentence.
When learning English, it's useful to underline a new phrase in your textbook and practice using it in a sentence.
🔗 Collocations
a set phrase – a phrase that is fixed and conventionally used
a common phrase – a phrase that is frequently used
phrase book – a book containing common phrases in a foreign language
🔄 Synonyms
expression (n.) – a word or group of words used in a particular situation
idiom (n.) – a group of words whose meaning is different from the literal meaning
locution (n.) – a particular form of expression; a phrase
🌱 Derivatives
phrasal (adj.) – relating to or consisting of a phrase
phrasing (n.) – the way in which something is expressed
phraseology (n.) – the particular choice of words used
📖 Cultural Story
Phrase originates from Greek 'phrazein' meaning 'to speak'. In ancient rhetoric, it referred to a small unit of speech. Today, it is central to language learning and linguistics.
Meaning 2：particular way of saying (phrase)
phrase
/freɪz/
n.
a particular way of saying something that is often fixed or well-known.
particular way of saying
➕
/pərˈtɪkjələr weɪ əv ˈseɪɪŋ/
n.
A phrase can refer to a specific, often fixed or well-known way of expressing an idea, such as a catchphrase or a poetic expression.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My grandmother has a lovely phrase for when it's raining lightly; she calls it 'a soft day'.
My grandmother has a lovely phrase for when it's raining lightly; she calls it 'a soft day'.
🔗 Collocations
a famous phrase – a phrase that is well-known
coined a phrase – invented a new phrase
turn of phrase – a particular way of expressing something
🔄 Synonyms
saying (n.) – a well-known phrase expressing a common truth
expression (n.) – a word or group of words used in a particular way
idiom (n.) – a fixed expression with non-literal meaning
🌱 Derivatives
phrasal (adj.) – relating to or consisting of a phrase
phrasing (n.) – the way in which something is expressed
phraseology (n.) – the particular choice of words used
Wordbook
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