phase
n. countablen. one part of a process that happens in stages. You use this to describe a period of time or a step in a long project.
n. a distinct period or stage in a series of events or a process of change or development. Often used to describe cyclical changes, such as the appearance of the moon or the states of matter.
The construction project is now in its final phase.
Most toddlers go through a phase where they refuse to eat any green vegetables.
The research team is currently transitioning from the data collection phase to the analytical stage of the study, which requires a different set of technical skills.
From New Latin phasis, from Ancient Greek φάσις (phásis, “an appearance”), from φαίνω (phaínō, “to cause to appear”); compare phantasm and see face.
From Latin phase (“passover”), Phasa, from Hebrew פָּסַח (pésach).
Commonly used with the preposition 'in' or 'into' and often paired with adjectives like 'initial', 'final', or 'transitional'.
the moon's facethe moon's phaseLearners sometimes confuse 'phase' with 'face' when describing the changing appearance of the moon.