Etymology Map
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Phrase

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a small group of words standing together

Where does the word "phrase" come from? It comes from Greek phrasis, passing through Latin before entering English (1530s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
phrasis
Greek · ancient
"speech, way of speaking"
from 'phrazein', to point out, declare
2
Stage 2 of 3
phrasis
Latin · ancient
"diction"
a manner of expression
3
Stage 3 of 3
phrase
English · 1530s
"a group of words"
also used in music for a short melodic unit
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Read the full story

Phrase’s story begins in Greek: phrasis meant “speech, way of speaking.” From 'phrazein', to point out, declare. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as phrasis. A manner of expression. It reached English by 1530s as phrase. Also used in music for a short melodic unit. Today, phrase means a small group of words standing together.