4 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Phrase \Phrase\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Phrased}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Phrasing}.] [Cf. F. phraser.]
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
``These suns -- for so they phrase 'em.'' --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Phrase \Phrase\, v. i.
1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well.
See {Phrase}, n., 4.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Phrase \Phrase\, n. [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology,
Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak.]
1. A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually
two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or
being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.
``Convey'' the wise it call. ``Steal!'' foh! a fico
for the phrase. --Shak.
2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often
employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to
err is human.
3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any
one expreses himself; diction; expression. ``Phrases of
the hearth.'' --Tennyson.
Thou speak'st In better phrase and matter than thou
didst. --Shak.
4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period.
Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods;
these are subdivided into sections, and these into
phrases.
{Phrase book}, a book of idiomatic phrases. --J. S. Blackie.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
phrase
n 1: an expression forming a grammatical constituent of a
sentence but not containing a finite verb
2: a short musical passage [syn: {musical phrase}]
3: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the
meanings of the words that make it up [syn: {idiom}, {idiomatic
expression}, {phrasal idiom}, {set phrase}]
v : put into words or an expression; "He formulated his concerns
to the board of trustees" [syn: {give voice}, {formulate},
{word}, {articulate}]