Sentence Meaning
Sentence Definition & Usage
A group of words that expresses a complete thought or statement, typically containing a subject and predicate.
Examples
- "The teacher asked us to write a sentence using the word 'freedom'."
- "A sentence can be as short as two words or as long as several paragraphs."
- "She paused for a moment before speaking, crafting her sentence carefully."
- "His sentence in the court was delivered with a somber tone."
- "I can't believe the sentence she wrote for her essay was so powerful."
The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court of law.
Examples
- "The defendant received a ten-year prison sentence for his crimes."
- "After a lengthy trial, the judge passed a harsh sentence on the convicted murderer."
- "The court's sentence was considered too lenient by the victim's family."
- "He was given a suspended sentence, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense."
- "The judge announced that the sentence would be reviewed after five years."
To declare the punishment for someone in a court of law.
Examples
- "The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment for the murder."
- "The judge will sentence the defendant tomorrow morning."
- "They were sentenced to community service as part of their probation."
- "She was sentenced to five years of probation for her role in the crime."
- "After the trial, the defendant was sentenced to 20 years in prison."
Cultural Context
The word 'sentence' has its origins in Latin 'sententia', meaning an opinion or judgment. In modern usage, it carries two primary meanings: a unit of speech or writing and a judicial punishment. Its legal connotation became particularly prominent in English-speaking countries with the establishment of formalized judicial systems.
The Sentence That Changed Everything
Story
The Sentence That Changed Everything
In a small courtroom in the heart of the city, the air was thick with anticipation. A young woman, Marissa, sat nervously in the defendant's chair, awaiting the judge's sentence. She had spent the past year fighting accusations of embezzlement, but now, the moment had arrived when her future would be determined. The judge, an older man with a stern face, adjusted his glasses as he prepared to read the verdict. "Marissa Green," the judge began, "the court has found you guilty of all charges. You are hereby sentenced to five years of probation, with the condition that you repay the stolen funds within the next two years." Marissa's heart skipped a beat. She had feared the worst—prison time, a sentence that would rob her of everything she had worked for. Instead, she found herself breathing a sigh of relief, though a weight still pressed down on her shoulders. The sentence was harsh, but it wasn't the end. Meanwhile, in the gallery, her family watched in silence. Her mother whispered to her father, "I'm just glad it's not jail. At least she can rebuild her life." Her father's eyes, however, showed a deep sadness. "She still has a long way to go to prove herself again." Later that evening, as Marissa walked out of the courthouse, her mind raced. The sentence felt like a prison of its own—a constant reminder of her failure. Yet, she understood that she had been given a second chance. She would make it count. As the weeks passed, Marissa began to work toward repayment, her life slowly falling into a new rhythm. She found a job in a charity organization that helped victims of financial crimes, using her skills to turn her past mistakes into something meaningful. The sentence, though initially perceived as a punishment, had become the catalyst for her personal growth. Through it, she had found a new sense of purpose and determination. In the end, Marissa's story was one of redemption. Her sentence, once a symbol of her downfall, had become the turning point in her life, marking the beginning of her journey toward restoration and self-discovery.
Related Words
