Paragraph Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
paragraph
[หpรฆrษหษกrรฆf ]
Definition
writing
A paragraph is a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering. It is a fundamental building block of coherent writing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| paragraph |
Use when referring to a distinct section of a piece of writing, typically dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering.
|
| section |
Appropriate when referring to a larger division within a document, book, or any structured text, often numbered or titled.
|
| passage |
Suitable for discussing a specific portion of a larger text, often a short extract or a segment of written work or speech.
|
| segment |
Best used when talking about a part of something that is clearly separable, may relate to text, physical objects, or time.
|
Examples of usage
- A well-structured essay should have clear paragraphs that flow logically.
- Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or idea.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Writing Style
- Effective paragraphs typically begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
- A standard paragraph usually contains around 100-200 words, providing enough space to explore an idea.
- In academic writing, paragraphs are essential for organizing thoughts and aiding readers' understanding.
Literature
- Famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, are known for their concise and impactful paragraphs that convey deep meanings.
- Some literary styles use very short paragraphs to create tension or emphasize urgency in a narrative.
- In poetry, paragraphs can appear as stanzas, showcasing how similar structures exist across different forms of writing.
Education
- Teaching students to identify and create strong paragraphs is a key component of writing curricula around the world.
- Graphic organizers, like paragraph frames, are often used to help students structure their writing.
- Digital tools and software, such as word processors, allow writers to format paragraphs easily, enhancing clarity.
Cultural Impact
- In journalism, paragraphs can set the tone of the report; shorter paragraphs are often used for quick readability.
- Social media has changed how paragraphs are viewed, with brevity often preferred over traditional longer text formats.
- In countries where writing systems are influenced by strict formatting rules, the usage and structure of paragraphs may differ significantly.
Origin of 'paragraph'
Main points about word origin
- The word โparagraphโ comes from the Greek word โparagraphos,โ which means โto write besideโ or โa note.โ
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to a mark in writing.
- The split notion of 'para' and 'graph' helps understand its function as a section of writing.
The word 'paragraph' originated from the Middle French word 'paragraphe', which came from the Latin word 'paragraphus', meaning 'short stroke in the margin'. The concept of dividing text into paragraphs dates back to ancient times, with early manuscripts using symbols or spacing to indicate breaks in the text. Over time, the paragraph became a standard unit of organization in writing, facilitating readability and comprehension.