grammar
UK: ˈɡræmə | US: ˈɡræmər
n. the system and structure of a language, including syntax, morphology, and phonology
n. a book or set of rules describing the grammar of a language
n. the basic principles or rules of an art or technical subject
grammar = gram<written/letter> + mar<noun suffix>
- gram (from Greek gramma meaning "letter, written thing")
- mar (a noun-forming suffix, often derived from Latin -arius or Greek -ma)
Etymology Origin:
The word "grammar" traces back to the Greek grammatikē technē ("art of letters"), via Latin grammatica. Originally, it referred to the study of literature and language broadly, later narrowing to focus on linguistic rules. The morpheme gram- reflects its roots in writing (gramma = "letter"), while -mar evolved as a suffix denoting a field of study. Over time, "grammar" shifted from general literacy to its modern sense of structural rules.
She struggles with English grammar but excels in vocabulary.
The textbook explains the grammar of ancient Greek clearly.
Good grammar is essential for professional communication.
He wrote a grammar for the indigenous language.
Programming languages have their own syntax and grammar.