phased
FAYZD
/feɪzd/
Carried out in gradual stages according to a plan.
Strongly implies careful planning and organization.
The story behind the word. Originally an astronomical term referring to the 'phases' of the moon—the different ways it appears to us as it orbits. Just as the moon changes in a predictable, 'phased' way, so do our projects.
Word relationships
- staged: Staged is very similar but can also mean 'faked' or 'organized for effect'.
- simultaneous: Simultaneous means everything happens at once, rather than in stages.
Commonly confused with
- fazed: Fazed means disturbed or disconcerted (e.g., 'He was not fazed by the news').
Word family
- phase (noun/verb): A distinct period or stage in a process.
Collocations
- phased approach
- phased implementation
- phased withdrawal
Example sentences
- "The rollout of the new system will be a phased operation, starting with the head office." Project management
- "The general ordered a phased withdrawal of troops to ensure the safety of the remaining units." Military
Memory hook
Think of the 'phases' of the moon. They are planned by nature and happen in stages. Planned stages.
When not to use
Don't use for accidental or unplanned gradual changes (use 'piecemeal' or 'incremental').
Fun facts
- A 'phased array' is a type of antenna that can electronically steer a beam of radio waves.
Related words
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