sentence
UK: ˈsen.təns | US: ˈsen.təns
n. a group of words that expresses a complete thought, typically containing a subject and predicate.
n. a punishment assigned by a court of law.
vt. to declare a punishment for someone convicted of a crime.
The word "sentence" originates from the Latin sententia, meaning "thought, opinion, or judgment," derived from sentire ("to feel, perceive"). Over time, it evolved in Old French as sentence, retaining the dual meanings of "judicial decision" and "expression of thought." In English, it first referred to authoritative declarations (e.g., legal judgments) before narrowing to its grammatical sense in the 15th century. The morpheme sent- reflects the core idea of "perception," while -ence nominalizes it, creating a term for both linguistic structure and legal consequences.
She wrote a clear and concise sentence.
The judge will sentence the defendant tomorrow.
His essay contained a sentence with perfect grammar.
The court imposed a ten-year prison sentence.
Can you analyze this complex sentence?