paragraph
UK[ˈpærəɡrɑːf]US[ˈpærəɡræf]
n
A distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering.
Morpheme Breakdown
para
graph
para
beside
graph
write
Etymology
The word 'paragraph' has a literal origin in the physical practice of ancient writing. It derives from the Greek 'paragraphos', a compound of 'para-' ("beside") and 'graphein' ("to write"). Originally, it referred to a short stroke or mark placed in the margin beside a line of text to indicate a break in the sense or a new topic, a function similar to our modern pilcrow (¶). Over time, the meaning shifted from the marginal mark itself to the distinct unit of text that the mark was meant to signify, evolving into its current abstract meaning of a coherent block of prose.
Analysis
Structure: para (beside) + graph (write)
para- (from Greek, meaning "beside, alongside, beyond"); -graph (from Greek, meaning "that which writes, a writing").
Examples
The first paragraph of the essay introduces the main argument.
Each new idea should be developed in a separate paragraph.
Please indent the beginning of every paragraph.