Advertisement
Advertisement
sentence
[ sen-tns ]
noun
- Grammar. a grammatical unit of one or more words that expresses an independent statement, question, request, command, exclamation, etc., and that typically has a subject as well as a predicate, as in John is here. or Is John here? In print or writing, a sentence typically begins with a capital letter and ends with appropriate punctuation; in speech it displays recognizable, communicative intonation patterns and is often marked by preceding and following pauses.
- Law.
- an authoritative decision; a judicial judgment or decree, especially the judicial determination of the punishment to be inflicted on a convicted criminal:
Knowledgeable sources say that the judge will announce the sentence early next week.
- the punishment itself; term:
a three-year sentence.
- Music. a complete idea, usually consisting of eight to sixteen measures; period ( def 18 ). phrase ( def 4 ).
- Archaic. a saying, apothegm, or maxim.
- Obsolete. an opinion given on a particular question.
verb (used with object)
- to pronounce sentence upon; condemn to punishment:
The judge sentenced her to six months in jail.
sentence
/ sɛnˈtɛnʃəl; ˈsɛntəns /
noun
- a sequence of words capable of standing alone to make an assertion, ask a question, or give a command, usually consisting of a subject and a predicate containing a finite verb
- the judgment formally pronounced upon a person convicted in criminal proceedings, esp the decision as to what punishment is to be imposed
- an opinion, judgment, or decision
- music another word for period
- any short passage of scripture employed in liturgical use
the funeral sentences
- logic a well-formed expression, without variables
- archaic.a proverb, maxim, or aphorism
verb
- tr to pronounce sentence on (a convicted person) in a court of law
the judge sentenced the murderer to life imprisonment
Grammar Note
Derived Forms
- senˈtentially, adverb
- sentential, adjective
Other Words From
- sentenc·er noun
- pre·sentence verb (used with object) presentenced presentencing
- re·sentence noun verb (used with object) resentenced resentencing
- un·sentenced adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of sentence1
Word History and Origins
Origin of sentence1
Example Sentences
Chaudhary, now 29, was arrested and later sentenced to a hospital order at Derby Crown Court in May 2022 after admitting stalking and harassment.
Later that year, he tested positive for a banned substance and was lucky to get away with a light sentence.
In 2023, Martin - who was in his 70s and used a wheelchair - pleaded guilty to stealing them, and was sentenced to time served.
Ultimately, a judge deemed him sane and Calvin Sharp was sentenced to life without parole.
There was the tough sheriff during the summer riots intent on rapidly locking up offenders, who is now exploring shorter prison sentences for some wrongdoers.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse