phraseology
UK[ˌfreɪziˈɒlədʒi]US[ˌfreɪziˈɑːlədʒi]
n
The particular way in which words and phrases are chosen and used in speech or writing; the study of this.
Morpheme Breakdown
phrase
ology
phrase
expression
ology
study of
Etymology
The word 'phraseology' is a compound formed in the early 17th century from the existing English word 'phrase' and the suffix '-ology'. Its core component, 'phrase', entered English via Latin from the Greek 'phrasis', which derives from the verb 'phrazein', meaning "to tell" or "to point out." The suffix '-ology', also of Greek origin via Latin, signifies a branch of learning. Thus, the literal construction "the study of phrases" accurately reflects its modern meaning, which encompasses both the characteristic manner of expression used by a particular person or group and the academic study of fixed expressions and idioms.
Analysis
Structure: phrase (expression) + ology (study of)
- phrase: From Latin 'phrasis', from Greek 'phrasis' (speech, way of speaking), from 'phrazein' (to tell, declare). In this word, it functions as the base denoting a unit of language.
- ology: From Greek '-logia' (denoting a subject of study or interest), from 'logos' (word, discourse). In this word, it functions as a suffix meaning "the study of" or "the branch of knowledge concerning".
Examples
The legal document was difficult to understand due to its complex phraseology.
She is an expert in the phraseology of medieval religious texts.
His phraseology is often old-fashioned, peppered with idioms from a bygone era.