clause
English meaning: Clause
Definition
A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. Sentences can have one or more clauses.
Example
“This sentence has two clauses joined by 'and'.”
Another example: “The contract contained a clause allowing either side to cancel within a month.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A grammar term; a group of words containing a subject and verb. Main and subordinate clauses build sentences. Also a legal/contract sense: a numbered section ('a confidentiality clause'). Plural 'clauses'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'clausa' meaning a closed part.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- main clause
- subordinate clause
- relative clause
- independent clause
- clause in a contract
Word Forms
clause (n); clauses (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B