Gems of My Crown ~ Faze vs. Phase

Yes, yes. Here we are again with another edition of Gems of My Crown. This week, we’re clearing up the confusion between faze and phase, a mix-up that pops up more often than it should.

Faze

The word faze is a verb that means to disturb, disconcert, or unsettle someone. It is most commonly used in negative constructions, particularly in the phrase “does not faze.”

Example:
The chaos around her didn’t faze her in the slightest.

Another example:
He tried to intimidate her, but she refused to let it faze her.

Phase

The word phase is a noun that refers to a stage or period in a process of development or change. It can also be used as a verb, though that usage is less common.

Example:
She’s going through a rebellious phase right now.

Another example:
The project entered its final phase ahead of schedule.

Though these words sound alike, their meanings are entirely different. One refers to being emotionally affected, while the other refers to a stage or period of time.

So if your character isn’t bothered, which is the context we use this kind of phrasing in the most, it doesn’t phase them—it doesn’t faze them.