Sentencing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sentencing

 

[ ˈsentənsɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal system

The act of determining a punishment for a crime or offense; the process of imposing a penalty on a convicted person.

Synonyms

judgment, penalty, punishment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sentencing

This term is used in the legal field, specifically when a judge officially decides the punishment for a person found guilty of a crime.

  • The sentencing will take place next Tuesday.
  • After the verdict, the judge moved to the sentencing phase of the trial.
judgment

This word is broader and can be used in both legal and general contexts. It refers to the final decision made by a judge in a lawsuit, or any conclusion or opinion formed after careful consideration.

  • The judgment of the court was in favor of the plaintiff.
  • In my judgment, it's better to wait until next year.
penalty

Penalties are used in both legal and everyday situations to refer to the consequences or punishments for violating rules or laws. It can also refer to fines or other costs imposed for misconduct.

  • The maximum penalty for the crime is five years in prison.
  • He was given a penalty for speeding.
punishment

Punishments can be related to legal, social, or parental contexts. It refers to any form of consequence or suffering imposed for breaking rules or committing offenses. It often has a negative connotation.

  • Her punishment for breaking the rules was detention.
  • The criminal received a harsh punishment.

Examples of usage

  • The judge delivered the sentencing after the defendant was found guilty.
  • The sentencing for such a serious crime could result in a lengthy prison term.
Context #2 | Noun

grammar

The structure of a sentence, including the arrangement of words and phrases.

Synonyms

phrase construction, syntax, word order.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sentencing

Same as above.

  • The sentencing phase of the trial was very emotional.
phrase construction

This is about how phrases are built or put together in a language, often discussed in linguistic contexts or language learning.

  • Effective phrase construction can make your writing more engaging.
  • Understanding phrase construction is essential for mastering any new language.
syntax

Syntax refers to the set of rules that dictates the structure of sentences in a language, often discussed in grammar and programming.

  • Syntax errors in your code can cause it to not run properly.
  • Learning the syntax of a new language can be challenging.
word order

This refers to the sequence in which words appear in a sentence, which can affect the meaning and clarity of the sentence.

  • Changing the word order in a sentence can sometimes change its meaning.
  • In Spanish, the word order is often more flexible than in English.

Examples of usage

  • She revised the sentencing of her essay to improve its readability.
  • Understanding proper sentencing is essential for effective communication.

Translations

Translations of the word "sentencing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sentença

🇮🇳 सजा सुनाना

🇩🇪 Urteilsverkündung

🇮🇩 penghukuman

🇺🇦 вирок

🇵🇱 skazanie

🇯🇵 判決

🇫🇷 condamnation

🇪🇸 condena

🇹🇷 hüküm

🇰🇷 선고

🇸🇦 الحكم

🇨🇿 vynesení rozsudku

🇸🇰 vynesenie rozsudku

🇨🇳 判决

🇸🇮 izrekanje kazni

🇮🇸 dómur

🇰🇿 соттау

🇬🇪 განაჩენი

🇦🇿 hökm

🇲🇽 condena

Etymology

The word 'sentencing' originated from the verb 'sentence' which comes from the Latin word 'sententia', meaning 'opinion' or 'judgment'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the act of imposing a judgment or penalty, particularly in legal contexts. The concept of sentencing has been a fundamental aspect of legal systems throughout history, playing a crucial role in maintaining order and justice within societies.

See also: sententious.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,384 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.