Phase Meaning
/feɪz/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA distinguishable part of a sequence or cycle occurring over time.
nounThat which is exhibited to the eye; the appearance which anything manifests, especially any one among different and varying appearances of the same object.
Sentence Examples
We are entering a new phase in the war.
Cancer can be cured easily if it is found in its first phase.
CEFR Practice Quiz
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the umbra and shows a reddish ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The project is currently in its second ____, focusing on testing and quality assurance.
Word Origin & History
From New Latin phasis, from Ancient Greek φάσις (phásis, “an appearance”), from φαίνω (phaínō, “to cause to appear”); compare phantasm and see face.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It would have been a simple enough move to warn the firm, but Max Carrados's interest lay in the phase of crime rather than in forestalling it, and on that score he had little tangible as yet […]"
— 1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:
"When Romania did manage to string together some phases midway through the first half, England's discipline held firm, although on the whole it was a less focused display from the Six Nations champions in the second half."
— 2011 September 24, Ben Dirs, “Rugby World Cup 2011: England 67-3 Romania”, in BBC Sport:
"Anyone who has lost their way in cyberspace—realizing they have just phased into what they had previously categorized as 'solid' matter—will understand this example."
— 1997, P. Lunenfeld, “Hybrid Architectures and the Paradox of Unfolding”, in Intelligent Environments: Spatial Aspects of the Information Revolution, →ISBN, page 443:
"Archer took a deep breath and, steeling himself for the bizarre experience, carefully walked to the bulkhead and phased through."
— 2004, Paul Ruditis, Star Trek: Enterprise: Shockwave, →ISBN, page 100:
"Intangible or invisible objects in comic books are often drawn with a dotted line. When Kitty Pryde of the X-Men phases through objects, she's drawn that way, and Wonder Woman's invisible plan[sic] used to be drawn that way as well."
— 2011, Timothy Callahan, Grant Morrison: The Early Years, →ISBN, page 93:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes through the umbra and shows a reddish ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The project is currently in its second ____, focusing on testing and quality assurance.