clause
UK: klɔːz | US: klɔːz
n. a distinct section of a legal document or contract
n. (grammar) a group of words containing a subject and predicate
n. a specific provision or condition in an agreement
clause = claus<close> + e<neutral suffix>
- claus (from Latin clausa, meaning "closed" or "conclusion," derived from claudere "to close")
- e (a neutral suffix in English, often used to complete the word without adding meaning)
Etymology Origin:
The word "clause" originates from Latin clausa, referring to a "closed" or "concluded" section of text, particularly in legal or grammatical contexts. It reflects the idea of a self-contained unit within a larger document or sentence. Over time, it evolved in Old French as clause before entering Middle English, retaining its core meaning of a distinct segment.
The contract includes a confidentiality clause.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.
She negotiated a special clause in her employment agreement.
The final clause of the treaty addresses dispute resolution.
In grammar, we analyzed the main clause of the sentence.