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paragraph Meaning & Definition

/ˈpæɹəɡɹɑːf/

What Does Paragraph Mean?

As a noun, paragraph means A passage in text that starts on a new line, the first line sometimes being indented, and usually marks a change of topic. It is also used to mean A mark or note set in the margin to call attention to something in the text, such as a change of subject. As a verb, it means To sort text into paragraphs.

Paragraph: Key Facts

Part of speechnoun, verb
Pronunciation//ˈpæɹəɡɹɑːf//
Syllables1
Pluralparagraphs
Verb formsparagraphs, paragraphing, paragraphed

Paragraph Definition (Noun)

  1. A passage in text that starts on a new line, the first line sometimes being indented, and usually marks a change of topic.

    opening paragraph

  2. A mark or note set in the margin to call attention to something in the text, such as a change of subject.
  3. A brief article, notice, or announcement, as in a newspaper.
  4. An offset of 16 bytes in Intel memory architectures.

Paragraph as a Verb

  1. To sort text into paragraphs.
  2. To publish a brief article, notice, or announcement, as in a newspaper.

Noun

  1. A passage in text that is about a different subject from the preceding text, marked by commencing on a new line, the first line sometimes being indented.

Synonyms of Paragraph

The source does not list synonyms for this entry.

Paragraph synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Paragraph

No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.

Paragraph in a Sentence

opening paragraph

final paragraph

paragraph heading

Divide the writing into paragraphs.

Word Forms & Grammar

paragraph (plural paragraphs)

paragraph (third-person singular simple present paragraphs, present participle paragraphing, simple past and past participle paragraphed)

Words That Rhyme With Paragraph

Origin of Paragraph

From Middle English paragraf, from Middle French paragraphe from Latin paragraphus (“sign for start of a new section of discourse”), from Ancient Greek παράγραφος (parágraphos), from παρά (pará, “beside”) and γράφω (gráphō, “to write”). Doublet of paragraphos.

Pronouncing Paragraph

Paragraph is pronounced //ˈpæɹəɡɹɑːf// and has 1 syllable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paragraph

Is paragraph a noun or a verb?

Paragraph is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.

What is the plural of paragraph?

The plural of paragraph is paragraphs.

What is the past tense of paragraph?

The past tense of paragraph is paragraphed. The present participle is paragraphing.

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