phase
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.one part of a process or a stage in someone's development.
n.a distinguishable stage in a sequence of events or a period of development.
Simple“Most teenagers go through a phase where they want to be alone in their rooms.”
In context“The first phase of the construction project involves clearing the site and laying the foundation before the winter weather sets in.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the changing shape of the bright part of the moon or a planet.
n.the particular appearance of a celestial body's illuminated disk in a recurring cycle.
Simple“The moon is in its crescent phase tonight.”
In context“Astronomers track the lunar phases to predict tidal patterns and optimal conditions for deep-space observation.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a state of matter, such as being a solid, liquid, or gas.
n.a physically distinctive form of matter, such as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma.
Simple“When water boils, it changes from a liquid phase to a gas phase.”
In context“The experiment demonstrated how the substance remains stable in its solid phase even under extreme atmospheric pressure.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a specific point in a repeating movement, like a wave or vibration.
n.the position of a point in time on a waveform cycle.
Simple“If two sound waves are out of phase, they can cancel each other out.”
In context“The engineers adjusted the signal timing to ensure the two oscillators remained in phase, preventing destructive interference.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start or stop something in gradual steps rather than all at once.
v.to introduce or withdraw something in planned stages; typically used with 'in' or 'out'.
Simple“The company will phase out the old software over the next six months.”
In context“The government plans to phase in the new tax regulations over a three-year period to minimize the economic impact on small businesses.”
UsageUsually functions as a phrasal verb: 'phase in' or 'phase out'.
Synonyms
Usage phase of the research · phase out fuel · enter phase
“Defence began phasing out Pfas chemicals in 2004.”
“In one video, which has 2.4 million views, a young woman asks: "Ladies, what do you do during your luteal phase to feel better?!”
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).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.