Word Direct Answers

What does "sentence" mean?

Sentence: (a) An opinion; a decision; a determination; a judgment, especially one of an unfavorable nature. My sentence is for open war. Milton. That by them [Luther's works] we may pass sentence upon his doctrines. Atterbury. (b) A philosophical or theological opinion; a dogma; as, Summary of the Sentences; Book of the Sentences.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Law) In civil and admiralty law, the judgment of a court pronounced in a cause; in criminal and ecclesiastical courts, a judgment passed on a criminal by a court or judge; condemnation pronounced by a judgical tribunal; doom. In common law, the term is exclusively used to denote the judgment in criminal cases. Received the sentence of the law. Shak.
  2. 3.A short saying, usually containing moral instruction; a maxim; an axiom; a saw. Broome.
  3. 4.(Gram.) A combination of words which is complete as expressing a thought, and in writing is marked at the close by a period, or full point. See Proposition, 4. Note: Sentences are simple or compound. A simple sentence consists of one subject and one finite verb; as, "The Lord reigns." A compound sentence contains two or more subjects and finite verbs, as in this verse: - He fills, he bounds, connects, and equals all. Pope. Dark sentence, a saving not easily explained. A king . . . understanding dark sentences. Dan. vii.
  4. 5.1. To pass or pronounce judgment upon; to doom; to condemn to punishment; to prescribe the punishment of. Nature herself is sentenced in your doom. Dryden.
  5. 6.To decree or announce as a sentence. [Obs.] Shak.
  6. 7.To utter sentenciously. [Obs.] Feltham.

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