Meaning & use

phase

noun·Everyday

A distinct stage or period in a process of change or development.

See it in a sentence

The renovation is currently in its final phase, with painting left to finish.

Toddlers often go through a picky-eating phase that eventually passes.

A note on using this word

Calling difficult behavior 'a phase' implies it is temporary and will pass, a common, slightly reassuring way to talk about a child's development.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To introduce or remove something gradually, in stages.

The city plans to phase out gas-powered buses over the next decade.

Make it your own

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