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paragraph Definition

para·graph (par′ə graf′)

noun

  1. a distinct section or subdivision of a chapter, letter, etc., usually dealing with a particular point: it is begun on a new line, often indented
  2. a mark (¶) used as by proofreaders to indicate the beginning of a paragraph or as a sign marking material referred to elsewhere
  3. a brief article, item, or note in a newspaper or magazine

Etymology: MFr paragraphe < OFr < ML paragraphus, orig., sign marking separation of parts, as of a chapter < Gr paragraphos < para-, beside (see para-) + graphein, to write (see graphic)

transitive verb

  1. to mention in a paragraph or paragraphs
  2. to separate or arrange in paragraphs

intransitive verb

to write paragraphs, esp. for a newspaper

paragraph Related Forms
par′a·graph′er noun or par′a·graph′·ist par′a·graph′ic adjective
paragraph Synonyms

paragraph

n.

passage, section, division of thought, topic, statement, verse, article, item, notice.

paragraph Synonyms

paragraph

v.

group, section, divide, arrange, break.

paragraph Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • text: One side of A4 with 3 or 4 paragraphs of text is sufficient.

Converse of object

  • see: Fully charged assets should not normally be insured by the official receiver - see paragraph 8.70.
  • conclude: This, together with a concluding paragraph of general comment from the Committee, forms a conclusion to the Overseas Report.
  • follow: More details of each of these is given in the following paragraphs.
  • devote: Most newspapers devoted just one paragraph to reporting the division's arrival, however.
  • insert: Page 12, insert new paragraph 8 - 'Councillor McGill supported Councilor Donnell's request for a site meeting with Roads Service.
  • precede: The problems surrounding the determination of a fair discount rate are considered in preceding paragraphs in this paper.

Adjective modifier

  • preceding: You cannot make a late claim using the method in the preceding paragraph ( i.e. on the VAT return ).
  • preambular: In this case, PP refers to preambular paragraph and OP refers to operative paragraph.
  • operative: The declaration required of Iraq in operative paragraph 3 within 30 days was absolutely essential.
  • introductory: Don't bore your readers with detail in the introductory paragraph.
  • previous: This is an example of what I was saying in the previous paragraph I wrote above.
  • above: On to my 3 things ( the above paragraph wasn't one of them!

Modifies a noun

  • 1(a: Second, the new duty of care created in Part I of the Act will apply ( Schedule 1 paragraph 1(a ) ).
  • tag: The DT and DD entries can contain multiple paragraphs ( indicated by P paragraph tags ), lists, or other definition information.
  • break: Posted by jinkleberry on 19/08/2003 I want to be able to add paragraph breaks and I DONT KNOW HOW!
  • alignment: Paragraph alignment and floating objects are discussed later in this document.

Noun used with modifier

  • opening: I refer to the opening paragraph of the letter which sets the scene.
  • closing: Finally on another issue referring again to the closing paragraph of the paper by Fenton et al ( 1999 ).
  • following: Welconstruct Terms & Conditions The following paragraphs are a summary of our terms and conditions.
paragraph Quotes

All my life I've beenworking on the worköevery canvas a sentence or paragraph of it. Each picture is onlyan approximation of what I want.

—Motherwell, Robert

   The most beautiful prose paragraph yet written by any American.

—Bloom, Harold