Meaning & Definition of word "Sentence"

to

arrow

    Sentence

    /ˈsɛntəns/

    noun:

    • 1. A set of words that conveys a complete thought or idea, typically containing a subject and a predicate.
      • Example: She wrote a complex sentence that explained her theory.
    • 2. A group of words that expresses a statement, question, command, or exclamation.
      • Example: The teacher asked the students to form a coherent sentence.
    • 3. A grammatical unit consisting of one or more words that is complete in itself.
      • Example: In English, every sentence must have at least a subject and a verb.

    verb:

    • 1. To declare the punishment for a person convicted of a crime.
      • Example: The judge will sentence the defendant to ten years in prison.
    • 2. To impose a judicial sentence on someone.
      • Example: After much deliberation, the jury decided to sentence the offender.

    Etymology

    From Old French 'sentence', from Latin 'sententia' meaning 'thought, opinion'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    life sentence:

    A punishment of imprisonment for the duration of a person's life.

    sentence fragment:

    A group of words that is not a complete sentence.

    to sentence someone:

    To officially impose a punishment on someone by a court.

    Related Words

    syntax:

    The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

    grammar:

    The whole system and structure of a language.

    punctuation:

    The marks used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.

    Slang Meanings of sentence

    Meaning: Get a sentence

    Example Sentence: He got a sentence for dealing drugs.

    Meaning: Sentence time

    Example Sentence: I’m doing my sentence for that mistake.