phase
UK[feɪz]US[feɪz]
n
a distinct stage in a process of change or development
n
each of the aspects of the moon or a planet, according to the amount of its illumination, as seen from Earth
v
to carry out a plan or introduce something in stages
Morpheme Breakdown
phas
e
phas
appearance
e
Etymology
The word 'phase' entered English in the early 17th century via Latin phasis, from the Greek phasis, which meant 'appearance'—particularly the appearance of a star or a moon. This Greek term derives from the verb phainein, meaning 'to show, to bring to light', a concept rooted in the Proto-Indo-European root bʰeh₂-, 'to shine'. The logical journey is from the literal act of something 'showing' itself or becoming visible, to the specific, cyclical appearances of celestial bodies, and finally to the modern, abstract sense of any distinct stage in a cyclical or developmental process.
Analysis
Structure: phas (appearance) + e
'phas' originates from Greek phasis, meaning 'appearance' or 'phase of a star', from the verb phainein, 'to show'. The final '-e' is a common silent letter in English spelling, often indicating a preceding long vowel sound but not carrying independent morphemic weight in this word.
Examples
The project is now entering its final phase.
We watched the moon as it moved through its various phases.
The new tax will be phased in over a two-year period.