faze - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
faze Word Meanings
- to disturb or disconcert someone
- to cause someone to feel uneasy
- to intimidate or frighten
faze Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
faze Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/feɪz/
US
/feɪz/
faze Word Etymology
Root: faze (root). Origin: Old French 'faser' derived from Latin 'facere'. Memory Image: Imagine a magician who tries to faze an audience with surprising tricks, leaving them in awe.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Faze means to disturb or disconcert someone, to cause them to feel uneasy, or to intimidate or frighten in some situations. It is a somewhat formal, not very common verb in everyday speech, and it often appears in contexts where a speaker wants to describe a reaction that unsettled an audience or a competitor more than a physical threat. People can be fazed by a loud noise, a sharp critique, or an unexpected turn of events, especially when they were confident beforehand. The word is linked historically to Old French and Latin roots; a vivid memory image is a magician attempting to faze an audience with surprising tricks, leaving them impressed yet unsettled.
Usage Reminders
- - Pronounce faze with a long a, like 'maze'.
- - It is transitive: faze someone.
- - Use with people or groups (the crowd, an opponent).
- - Be fazed by something describes a reaction to it.
- - Do not confuse with phase; different meaning and origin.
Common Misconceptions
- Faze and phase are often confused because they look/sound similar.
- Faze always implies a physical threat or harm.
- You can faze yourself; it can happen to the subject only.
- Faze is common in casual speech; it is not formal.
- Be fazed by something means you caused it to disturb others.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often contrast faze with unsettled or disturb, placing it in slightly formal or narrative contexts; learners should notice its passive usage (be fazed by) and its stronger emotional shading compared with simply 'surprise'.
Learning Tips
- Practice both active and passive forms: faze someone vs be fazed by something.
- Add context with nouns like crowd, audience, opponent to diversify usage.
- Compare with synonyms: unsettle, disturb, intimidate to feel nuance.
- Note spelling: do not confuse with phase; memorize the root meaning.
- Read and write sentences in formal and narrative styles to cement usage.
- Listen for pronunciation nuances and stress patterns in connected speech.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'faze'?
A.To build something
B.To upset or confuse
C.To celebrate an event
D.To make a noise
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'faze' correctly?
A.The loud noise didn't faze him at all.
B.She was fazed by the unexpected news.
C.The cat decided to faze up the tree.
D.He will faze his homework tomorrow.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'faze'?
A.Bother
B.Encourage
C.Create
D.Develop
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'faze'?
A.Calm
B.Disrupt
C.Confuse
D.Bother
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something might not faze someone?
A.He faced a lot of challenges but they didn't faze his determination.
B.After hearing the news, she felt completely at ease and unaffected.
C.The surprise party made him faze with excitement.
D.Seeing the storm outside caused her to faze in fear.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App