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paragraph

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The definition of a paragraph is a clear section of a written or printed work that contains one thought and normally begins on a new line.

(noun)

An example of paragraph is the first section of a book's first chapter.

See paragraph in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

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
a mark (¶) used as by proofreaders to indicate the beginning of a paragraph or as a sign marking material referred to elsewhere
a brief article, item, or note in a newspaper or magazine

Origin: 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

to mention in a paragraph or paragraphs
to separate or arrange in paragraphs

intransitive verb

to write paragraphs, esp. for a newspaper

Related Forms:

paragrapher noun or paragraphist
paragraphic adjective

See paragraph in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A distinct division of written or printed matter that begins on a new, usually indented line, consists of one or more sentences, and typically deals with a single thought or topic or quotes one speaker's continuous words.
A mark ( ¶ ) used to indicate where a new paragraph should begin or to serve as a reference mark.
A brief article, notice, or announcement, as in a newspaper.

transitive verb par·a·graphed, par·a·graph·ing, par·a·graphs

To divide or arrange into paragraphs.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English paragraf

Origin: , from Old French paragrafe

Origin: , from Medieval Latin paragraphus

Origin: , from Greek paragraphos, line showing a break in sense or a change of speakers in a dialogue

Origin: , from paragraphein, to write beside

Origin: : para-, beside; see para-¹

Origin: + graphein, to write; see gerbh- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: