phrase
Plural
phrases
1
a group of words put together in a meaningful way
A phrase is a group of words that work together to convey a specific meaning but does not form a complete sentence. Phrases can consist of a noun and its modifiers, a verb and its complements, or other combinations of words. For example, "a beautiful sunset" is a noun phrase that describes a sunset, while "running quickly" is a verb phrase that indicates the action of running at a fast pace. Phrases can serve various roles in sentences, such as subjects, objects, or complements, and they help to add detail and depth to language. Unlike sentences, phrases do not contain a subject-verb pair and cannot stand alone as complete thoughts.
- He wrote down the phrase "carpe diem" in his notebook, as it inspired him.
- I'm studying the phrase "a piece of cake," which means something is easy to do.
- In order to enhance my language skills, I'm trying to understand different phrases in English.
- She practiced the phrase "thank you" in Italian for her trip to Rome.
- She was confused by the phrase "break a leg," until she learned it's a way to wish someone good luck.
2
a musical unit or segment consisting of several notes played or sung together
A phrase in music is a group of notes or measures that form a complete musical thought or idea, similar to a sentence in language. It typically has a beginning, middle, and end, creating a sense of continuity and structure within a piece. Phrases help to shape the overall flow and expression of the music, often providing moments of rest or resolution as they transition from one to the next.
- The melody is divided into short phrases, each expressing a distinct musical idea.
- The pianist shaped the phrase with careful attention to dynamics and articulation, creating a sense of musical continuity.
- In classical music, a phrase typically ends with a cadence, providing a sense of closure to the musical thought.
- Jazz musicians often improvise melodic phrases, exploring different rhythmic patterns and harmonic structures.
- Understanding the structure of musical phrases is essential for interpreting and performing a piece with clarity and expression.
Synonyms:
3
a coherent sequence of movements or steps that convey a specific idea, emotion, or theme within a choreographic composition
In dance, a phrase refers to a sequence of movements or steps that are performed together as a complete unit. A dance phrase typically consists of a series of connected actions that follow a specific rhythm or pattern. It can vary in length and complexity, and it often helps to convey a particular expression or emotion within the choreography. Dance phrases are important for creating coherent and expressive routines, as they allow dancers to build and develop their performance in a structured way.
- The choreographer instructed the dancers to focus on each phrase of the routine, emphasizing the importance of conveying emotion through movement.
- During rehearsal, the dancers worked on refining the timing and dynamics of each phrase, ensuring precision and clarity in their performance.
- The soloist delivered a captivating performance, seamlessly transitioning between phrases with grace and expressiveness.
- In contemporary dance, choreographers often experiment with unconventional phrases, challenging dancers to explore new movements and expressions.
- The ballet ensemble performed a series of intricate phrases, captivating the audience with their elegance and precision.
4
an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up