clause

[ klawz ]

noun

1. Grammar. a syntactic construction containing a subject and predicate and forming part of a sentence or constituting a whole simple sentence.
2. a distinct article or provision in a contract, treaty, will, or other formal or legal written document.

clause

/ klɔːz /

noun

1. grammar a group of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate including a finite verb, that does not necessarily constitute a sentence See also main clause subordinate clause coordinate clause
2. a section of a legal document such as a contract, will, or draft statute

clause

1. A group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and predicate . ( See dependent clause and independent clause .)

Derived Forms

• ˈclausal, adjective

Other Words From

• clausal adjective
• sub·clausal adjective
• subclause noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clause¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English claus(e), from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin clausa, back formation from Latin clausula clausula

Word History and Origins

Origin of clause¹

C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa a closing (of a rhetorical period), back formation from Latin clausula, from claudere to close

Example Sentences

As president, he mocked the treaty’s mutual-defense clause, claiming even "tiny" Montenegro could drag the U.S. into war.

From Salon

This unfortunate condition — that my lady parts have some morality clause I didn’t sign up for — has left me sexless and single for more years than I care to admit.

From Los Angeles Times

Not just about Gatland's future where there will be concerns over the financial implications over his departure, with the man himself this week stating there is no break clause in his contract.

From BBC

If the rate hike goes through, the letter said, “many if not all” the hotels represented by the group would use a clause in the contracts to back out of the deal.

From Los Angeles Times

The New Zealander, who has rejected speculation that there is a break clause after next year's Six Nations in his contract, said he would resign if it was in the interests of Welsh rugby.

From BBC

Related Words

• article
• paragraph
• passage
• provision
• requirement
• section
• specification
• stipulation