Sentences

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈsɛntənsɪz/

Definitions

  1. A group of words that convey a complete thought can be referred to as a sequence of words structured to express an idea | This term also describes the function of communication through written or spoken language constructed to represent meaning | Lastly, it can indicate a series of statements or expressions that convey information or articulate feelings
  2. A sequence of words arranged to express a complete thought serves to convey ideas effectively through written or spoken forms, while also referring to multiple assertions that communicate information or emotions
  3. A structured arrangement of words that forms a complete idea functions to impart meaning in verbal or written contexts, and can also denote a collection of expressions or statements that share information or convey sentiments

Etymology: The plural form of "sentence" traces its roots back to medieval times, but its story is one of gradual evolution rather than sudden invention. The modern English "sentence" comes from the Old French "sentence," which in turn drew from the Latin "sententia." In Latin, this word originally meant "opinion," "judgment," or "way of thinking," reflecting a broader, more philosophical sense than the structured units of language we think of today. Over time, as the word passed into English in the 14th century, its meaning narrowed. In legal and ecclesiastical contexts, "sentence" referred to a formal pronouncement or judgment; only later did it come to mean a grammatical unit—a string of words expressing a complete thought. This shift from abstract judgment to linguistic structure mirrors the way written language became more standardized and formalized in the centuries following the Norman Conquest. The plural "sentences" is a straightforward construction, formed by adding the regular English plural suffix "-s." There's no hidden twist or irregularity in the way English handles this word, but its journey from expressing opinions to forming the building blocks of prose marks a subtle but significant transformation.

Synonyms: phrases, statements