sen|tence

sen|tence «SEHN tuhns», noun, verb, -tenced, -tenc|ing.

–n.

1. a group of words (or sometimes a single word) that is grammatically complete and expresses a statement, request, command, question, or exclamation. A sentence normally contains a subject and predicate. “Boys and girls” is not a sentence. “The boys are here” is a sentence. Examples: »

He is good (declarative sentence); Is he good? (interrogative sentence); Be good! (imperative sentence); Good boy! (exclamatory sentence).

2. Mathematics. a group of symbols that expresses a complete idea or a requirement. Examples: 4 + 2 = 6 is a closed sentence expressing a complete idea; x + 2 = 6 is an open sentence expressing a requirement.

3. an opinion pronounced on some particular question; decision: »

My sentence is for open war (Milton).

4. a) a decision by a judge or court, especially on the punishment of a criminal. b) the punishment itself: »

The remaining two months of his sentence slipped by…rapidly (Samuel Butler).

5. Music. a phrase or (sometimes) a period.

6. Archaic. a short, wise saying; proverb: »

Who fears a sentence or an old man's saw shall by a painted cloth be kept in awe (Shakespeare).

–v.t.

to pronounce punishment on: »

The judge sentenced the thief to five years in prison.

╂[< Old French sentence, learned borrowing from Latin sententia (originally) opinion < sentīre to feel, perceive]