A few days ago
Anonymous

Origin of the (grammatical) word “sentence”?

What is the origin of the word “sentence” (referring to a group of words)?

Does this literary word “sentence” originate from the legal word “sentence” (a recorded/written statement made by a Judge that dictates a person’s penalty for a crime)?

Top 4 Answers
A few days ago
Gildardo F

Favorite Answer

Origin: 1175–1225 from the Latin word “sententia” which means opinion, decision
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A few days ago
dvas1147
yes, the two meanings share a connection.

“c.1290, “doctrine, authoritative teaching,” from O.Fr. sentence (12c.), from L. sententia “thought, meaning, judgment, opinion,” from sentientem, prp. of sentire “be of opinion, feel, perceive” (see sense). Loss of first -i- in L. by dissimilation. Meaning “punishment imposed by a court” is from c.1300; that of “grammatically complete statement” is attested from 1447, from notion of “meaning,” then “meaning expressed in words.” The verb meaning “to pass judgment” is recorded from c.1400.”

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A few days ago
oOj
sentence

c.1290, “doctrine, authoritative teaching,” from O.Fr. sentence (12c.), from L. sententia “thought, meaning, judgment, opinion,” from sentientem, prp. of sentire “be of opinion, feel, perceive” (see sense). Loss of first -i- in L. by dissimilation. Meaning “punishment imposed by a court” is from c.1300; that of “grammatically complete statement” is attested from 1447, from notion of “meaning,” then “meaning expressed in words.” The verb meaning “to pass judgment” is recorded from c.1400.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sentence

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A few days ago
backwardsinheels
According to the OED online, it originates from the Latin sententia, “opinion.” Both meanings of sentence originate from sententia.
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