sentence
UK[ˈsentəns]US[ˈsentəns]
n
a group of words that expresses a statement, question, or command, usually containing a subject and a verb
n
the punishment given by a judge in a law court, especially the period of time a person is sent to prison
v
to say officially in a court of law how someone will be punished
Morpheme Breakdown
sent
ence
sent
sense, feel
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'sentence' originates from the latin sententia, which itself derives from the verb sentire, meaning 'to feel' or 'to think'. this etymological path reveals a conceptual evolution from a personal feeling or opinion to a formal expression of thought. in medieval latin, sententia came to denote a maxim or a judicial opinion, which bridged the gap to its modern legal meaning. consequently, the english word now encompasses both the grammatical expression of a complete thought and the formal judicial pronouncement of a punishment, each representing a definitive, concluded expression.
Analysis
Structure: sent (sense, feel) + ence (noun suffix)
sent is from latin sentire, meaning 'to feel, perceive, think'. ence is a noun-forming suffix of latin origin (-entia), indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
the first sentence of the paragraph introduces the main argument.
he received a ten-year prison sentence for his crimes.
the judge will sentence the defendant tomorrow morning.