Paragraph — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈper-ə-ˌgraf/ par·a·graph

Meaning & Definition of Paragraph

Paragraph (noun)

  1. a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line
  2. a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph
  3. a character (such as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark

Paragraph (verb)

  1. to write paragraphs about
  2. to divide into paragraphs
  3. to write paragraphs

Word Forms of Paragraph

Inflections: paragraphed, paragraphing, paragraphs

Derived words: paragraphic (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Paragraph

Middle English paragraf marginal sign marking a paragraph, from Anglo-French parogref, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos line used to mark change of persons in a dialogue, from paragraphein to write alongside, from para- + graphein to write carve

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Paragraph

Words & Phrases Containing Paragraph

subparagraph

Frequently Asked Questions about Paragraph

What does "Paragraph" mean?

"Paragraph" means a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line. It has 6 distinct senses.

Is "Paragraph" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Paragraph" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Paragraph" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Paragraph" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Paragraph"?

"Paragraph" is pronounced /ˈper-ə-ˌgraf/ and divided into syllables as par·a·graph.

What is the origin of the word "Paragraph"?

"Paragraph" comes from Middle English paragraf marginal sign marking a paragraph, from Anglo-French parogref, from Medieval Latin paragraphus, from Greek paragraphos line used to mark change of persons in a dialogue, from paragraphein to write alongside, from para- + graphein to write carve. First known use: 15th century.

What does "Paragraph" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Paragraph" means: a subdivision of a written composition that consists of one or more sentences, deals with one point or gives the words of one speaker, and begins on a new usually indented line; a short composition or note that is complete in one paragraph; a character (such as ¶) used to indicate the beginning of a paragraph and as a reference mark.

What does "Paragraph" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Paragraph" means: to write paragraphs about; to divide into paragraphs; to write paragraphs.

What CEFR level is "Paragraph"?

"Paragraph" is an A1-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).