Paragraph
/ˈpær.ə.ɡræf/noun
A distinct section of writing, usually dealing with one main idea.
Did you know?The word comes from a Greek scribal mark, and the same root behind it also gave English words tied to writing and scratching, showing how punctuation began as a physical act on the page.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
parágraphos
“a marginal mark or short note written beside the text”
Late Latin
Latin
paragraphus
“a sign in writing used to mark a division or new section”
Old French
Old French
paragraphe
“a section of writing; also a written note or summary”
14th Century
English
paragraf
“a marginal note or short passage”
Modern English
English
paragraph
“a distinct section of prose writing”