Term vs. Phrase — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
A "term" is a single word or expression with a specific meaning, often used in a particular context or field. A "phrase" is a group of words that together have a particular meaning but might not have a subject and a verb.
Difference Between Term and Phrase
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Key Differences
A "term" is usually a single word or a compound word that carries a specialized meaning in a particular field or context. It could be technical jargon, or it could refer to a concept or item within a specific domain. Terms often serve to succinctly encapsulate complex ideas or objects.
On the other hand, a "phrase" is a group of words functioning as a single unit within a sentence, but it may not have a subject and a verb. Phrases can be part of everyday language or specific to a field, and they usually convey more nuanced or complex meanings than single words. Phrases are more flexible in their grammatical function, and they can serve various roles in a sentence.
In terms of grammatical construction, a term is often a noun or a compound noun, whereas a phrase can consist of various parts of speech and may include nouns, verbs, adjectives, and so on. For example, "quantum physics" is a term specific to science, while "on the other hand" is a phrase commonly used in English language discourse.
The final distinction between a term and a phrase lies in their scope and specificity. Terms are more precise and are often limited to specific fields or contexts. Phrases, conversely, are more general and can often be understood without specialized knowledge, although there are exceptions like idiomatic or technical phrases.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Single word or compound word
Group of words
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Context
Specialized in a field
General or specialized
Grammatical Unit
Usually a noun
Various parts of speech
Flexibility
Less flexible
More flexible
Scope
Specific
More general
Compare with Definitions
Term
A name or label for something.
Golden Age is a term for a period of prosperity.
Phrase
A group of words with a particular meaning.
Break a leg is an idiomatic phrase.
Term
A fixed or limited period for which something lasts.
The term of the contract is 5 years.
Phrase
A set of musical notes that form part of a larger composition.
The opening phrase of Beethoven's Symphony is iconic.
Term
A limited or established period of time that something is supposed to last, as a school or court session, tenure in public office, or a prison sentence.
Phrase
In syntax and grammar, a phrase is a group of words which act together as a grammatical unit. For instance, the English expression "the very happy squirrel" is a noun phrase which contains the adjective phrase "very happy".
Term
A point in time at which something ends; termination
An apprenticeship nearing its term.
Phrase
A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence.
Term
The end of a normal gestation period
Carried the fetus to term.
Phrase
A characteristic way or mode of expression
An apt turn of phrase.
Term
A deadline, as for making a payment.
Phrase
A brief, apt, and cogent expression
The phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire.".
Term
A fixed period of time for which an estate is granted.
Phrase
(Music) A short passage or segment, often consisting of four measures or forming part of a larger unit.
Term
An estate granted for a fixed period.
Phrase
A series of dance movements forming a unit in a choreographic pattern.
Term
A word or group of words having a particular meaning, especially in a specific field
I was baffled by the technical terms that the programmers were using.
Phrase
To express orally or in writing
The speaker phrased several opinions.
Term
Terms Language of a certain kind; chosen words
Spoke in rather vague terms.
Praised him in glowing terms.
Phrase
To divide (a passage) into phrases.
Term
Often terms One of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition
Offered favorable peace terms.
One of the terms of the lease.
The terms of a divorce settlement.
Phrase
To combine (notes) in a phrase.
Term
Terms The relationship between two people or groups; personal footing
On good terms with her in-laws.
Phrase
To make or express phrases.
Term
One of the quantities composing a ratio or fraction or forming a series.
Phrase
(Music) To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
Term
One of the quantities connected by addition or subtraction signs in an equation; a member.
Phrase
A short written or spoken expression.
Term
(Logic) Each of the two concepts being compared or related in a proposition.
Phrase
(grammar) A word or, more commonly, a group of words that functions as a single unit in the syntax of a sentence, usually consisting of a head, or central word, and elaborating words.
Term
A stone or post marking a boundary, especially a squared and downward-tapering pillar adorned with a head and upper torso.
Phrase
(music) A small section of music in a larger piece.
Term
An architectural or decorative motif resembling such a marker.
Phrase
(archaic) A mode or form of speech; diction; expression.
Term
To designate; call.
Phrase
(dance) A short individual motion forming part of a choreographed dance.
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit, extremity, bound, boundary, terminus#Noun.
"Alright, look...we can spend the holidays with your parents, but this time it will be on my terms."
Phrase
(transitive) To express (an action, thought or idea) by means of particular words.
I wasn't sure how to phrase my condolences without sounding patronising.
Term
A chronological limitation or restriction, a limited timespan.
The term of a lease agreement is the period of time during which the lease is effective, and may be fixed, periodic, or of indefinite duration.
Phrase
To perform a passage with the correct phrasing.
Term
Any of the binding conditions or promises in a legal contract.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing.
Phrase
To divide into melodic phrases.
Term
Specifically, the conditions in a legal contract that specify the price#Noun and also how and when payment#Noun must be made.
The latest models are available now, on the lowest terms you'll find anywhere, guaranteed.
Phrase
A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.
"Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for the phrase.
Term
A point, line, or superficies that limits.
A line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Phrase
A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to err is human.
Term
A word or phrase (e.g., noun phrase, verb phrase, open compound), especially one from a specialised area of knowledge; a name for a concept.
"Algorithm" is a term used in computer science.
The noun phrase "red blood cell", the acronym "RBC", and the word "erythrocyte" are synonymous terms.
Phrase
A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any one expreses himself; diction; expression.
Thou speak'stIn better phrase and matter than thou didst.
Term
Relations among people.
We are on friendly terms with each other.
Phrase
A short clause or portion of a period.
Term
Part of a year, especially one of the divisions of an academic year.
Phrase
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
Term
Duration of officeholding, or its limit; period in office of fixed length.
He was sentenced to a term of six years in prison.
Near-term, mid-term and long-term goals
The term allowed to a debtor to discharge his debt
Phrase
To use proper or fine phrases.
Term
The time during which legal courts are open.
Phrase
An expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb
Term
Certain days on which rent is paid.
Phrase
A short musical passage
Term
With respect to a pregnancy, the period during which birth usually happens (approximately 40 weeks from conception).
At term, preterm, postterm
Phrase
An expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up
Term
(of a patent) The maximum period during which the patent can be maintained into force.
Phrase
Put into words or an expression;
He formulated his concerns to the board of trustees
Term
(archaic) A menstrual period.
Phrase
A small part of a sentence, lacking a subject and a verb.
In the morning is a time-related phrase.
Term
(mathematics) Any value (variable or constant) or expression separated from another term by a space or an appropriate character, in an overall expression or table.
All the terms of this sum cancel out.
Phrase
A sequence of words intended to have meaning.
For what it's worth is a conversational phrase.
Term
(logic) The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
Phrase
A common expression or saying.
Bite the bullet is a phrase used to describe facing something unpleasant.
Term
(astrology) An essential dignity in which unequal segments of every astrological sign have internal rulerships which affect the power and integrity of each planet in a natal chart.
Term
(arts) A statue of the upper body, sometimes without the arms, ending in a pillar or pedestal.
Term
(nautical) A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
Term
A computer program that emulates a physical terminal.
Term
One whose employment has been terminated
Term
To phrase a certain way; to name or call.
Term
(ambitransitive) To terminate one's employment
Term
Born or delivered at term.
Term neonate
Term
That which limits the extent of anything; limit; extremity; bound; boundary.
Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries.
Term
The time for which anything lasts; any limited time; as, a term of five years; the term of life.
Term
In universities, schools, etc., a definite continuous period during which instruction is regularly given to students; as, the school year is divided into three terms.
Term
A point, line, or superficies, that limits; as, a line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
Term
A fixed period of time; a prescribed duration
Term
The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.
The subject and predicate of a proposition are, after Aristotle, together called its terms or extremes.
Term
A word or expression; specifically, one that has a precisely limited meaning in certain relations and uses, or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or the like; as, a technical term.
In painting, the greatest beauties can not always be expressed for want of terms.
Term
A member of a compound quantity; as, a or b in a + b; ab or cd in ab - cd.
Term
The menses.
Term
Propositions or promises, as in contracts, which, when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties; conditions.
Term
In Scotland, the time fixed for the payment of rents.
Term
A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail.
I can not speak in term.
Term
To apply a term to; to name; to call; to denominate.
Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe "imaginary space."
Term
A word or expression used for some particular thing;
He learned many medical terms
Term
A limited period of time;
A prison term
He left school before the end of term
Term
(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement;
The contract set out the conditions of the lease
The terms of the treaty were generous
Term
Any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial;
The general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree
Term
One of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition;
The major term of a syllogism must occur twice
Term
The end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent;
A healthy baby born at full term
Term
(architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved out of the top of a square pillar; originally used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome
Term
Name formally or designate with a term
Term
A word or expression with a specific, often specialized, meaning.
Symbiosis is a biological term.
Term
A word used in a particular context or field.
Bandwidth is a term in telecommunications.
Term
A word used to describe a relationship or status.
Friendship is a term that describes a type of relationship.
Common Curiosities
How do Term and Phrase differ?
A term is often a single word with specialized meaning, while a phrase is a group of words.
What is a Phrase?
A phrase is a group of words with a particular meaning but might not have a subject and a verb.
Can a Term be a Phrase?
Generally, no, although some compound terms may resemble phrases.
Can Phrases have idiomatic meanings?
Yes, like "kick the bucket" meaning to die.
What is a Term?
A term is a word or expression with a specific meaning, often specialized.
Can Terms have multiple meanings?
Yes, depending on the context or field.
Is a Phrase always a part of a sentence?
Usually, but it can also stand alone, especially in idiomatic expressions.
Is a Term ever made up of multiple words?
Yes, especially in compound terms like "post-traumatic stress disorder."
Can a Phrase be a Term?
No, a phrase is specifically a group of words with a certain meaning.
Is a Term always specialized?
Often, but not always; some terms are more general.
What grammatical units make up a Phrase?
Various parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Do all languages have Phrases?
Yes, phrases are a fundamental part of language structure.
Can Phrases include specialized jargon?
Yes, but they often don't have to be field-specific to be understood.
Do all fields have specialized Terms?
Most fields have jargon or specialized terms to describe specific concepts.
What grammatical units make up a Term?
Usually a noun or compound noun.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
