Sentence
/ˈsɛn.təns/noun
A grammatical unit expressing a complete thought, or a judicial decision.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin sentire, meaning “to feel” or “to perceive,” because a sentence was originally a formal opinion or judgment—words treated as binding acts of authority.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
sententia
“an opinion, judgment, or decision”
Late Latin
Latin
sentire
“to feel, perceive, think”
Old French
Old French
sentence
“a maxim, saying, or judicial judgment”
Middle English
English
sentence
“a saying, opinion, or formal judgment”
Modern English
English
sentence
“a grammatical unit or judicial punishment/decision”