Phrasal
/ˈfreɪ.zəl/noun
Relating to or formed by a phrase, especially in grammar.
Did you know?Its root goes back to Greek phrázō, meaning “I point out” or “I explain,” the same family that gave us words tied to expression, interpretation, and making meaning visible.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
phrázō
“I point out, explain, tell”
Late Greek
Greek
phrásis
“speech, expression, manner of speaking”
Latin
Latin
phrasis
“style of expression, phrasing”
Middle English
English
phrase
“a sequence of words forming a unit of meaning”
Late 19th Century
English
phrasal
“relating to a phrase”
Explore more surprising origins