phase

1 of 2

noun

ˈfāz How to pronounce phase (audio)
Synonyms of phasenext
1
: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes
phases of the moon
2
a
: a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle
the early phases of her career
b
: an aspect or part (as of a problem) under consideration
3
: the point or stage in a period of uniform circular motion, harmonic motion, or the periodic changes of any magnitude varying according to a simple harmonic law to which the rotation, oscillation, or variation has advanced from its standard position or assumed instant of starting
4
: a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
5
: an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs
also : the distinguishing peculiarity
phasic
ˈfā-zik How to pronounce phase (audio)
adjective

phase

2 of 2

verb

phased; phasing

transitive verb

1
: to adjust so as to be in a synchronized condition
2
: to conduct or carry out by planned phases
3
: to introduce in stages
—usually used with in
phase in new models
Phrases
in phase
: in a synchronized or correlated manner
out of phase
: in an unsynchronized manner : not in correlation

Did you know?

Phase and Faze

Phase and faze are homophones (words pronounced alike but different in meaning, derivation, or spelling) that may easily be confused. Despite the similarity in pronunciation, these words bear little semantic resemblance to one another.

Although phase can function as a verb – it is found especially in combinations such as phase out, phase in, and phase into, meaning “to end, begin, etc. in phases” – the word is most commonly encountered as a noun, in which it typically carries a meaning related to steps in a process, cycles, or stages of development (as in “phases of the moon”).

Faze is generally used only as a verb, and means “to daunt or disconcert.” It often appears in negative expressions such as “it didn’t faze her a bit” or “nothing fazes him.”

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of phase in a Sentence

Noun The project will be done in three phases. He's in the final phase of treatment now. The building project marks a new phase in the town's development. He has been throwing tantrums a lot, but the doctor says it's just a phase. a calendar based on the phases of the moon
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The backstages of the most iconic teams and riders will be unveiled, from the preparation phase to the finish line. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 As of Monday night, staff was nearly prepared to take the plan into its next phase by beginning an environmental review. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
The old design will be valid until the ID expires, with the state phasing the old design out by January 2029, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024 If the project is approved, the company hopes to begin phase one construction in 2025. —Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for phase 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin phasis, from Greek, appearance of a star, phase of the moon, from phainein to show (middle voice, to appear) — more at fancy

First Known Use

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phase was in 1647

Phrases Containing phase

Dictionary Entries Near phase

Phascum

phase

phase advancer

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Phase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phase. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

phase

1 of 2 noun
ˈfāz How to pronounce phase (audio)
1
: a particular appearance or state in a repeating series of changes
phases of the moon
2
: a step or part in a series of events or actions : stage
3
: a particular part or feature (as of an activity, situation, or a subject being considered) : aspect
4
: a physically different portion or kind of matter present in a mixed system
the three phases ice, water, and steam

phase

2 of 2 verb
phased; phasing
1
: to do in steps according to a plan
2
: to introduce in stages
—usually used with in
phase in new models

Medical Definition

phase

noun
ˈfāz How to pronounce phase (audio)
1
: a particular appearance or state in a regularly recurring cycle of changes
2
: a distinguishable part in a course, development, or cycle
the early phases of a disease
3
: a point or stage in the period of a periodic motion or process (as a light wave or a vibration) in relation to an arbitrary reference or starting point in the period
4
: a homogeneous, physically distinct, and mechanically separable portion of matter present in a nonhomogeneous physicochemical system
especially : one of the fundamental states of matter usually considered to include the solid, liquid, and gaseous forms
5
: an individual or subgroup distinguishably different in appearance or behavior from the norm of the group to which it belongs
also : the distinguishing peculiarity

More from Merriam-Webster on phase

Nglish: Translation of phase for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of phase for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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