CLAUSE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does clause mean? 

• CLAUSE (noun)
  The noun CLAUSE has 2 senses:

1. (grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate functioning as a part of a complex sentence

2. a separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)

  Familiarity information: CLAUSE used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CLAUSE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate functioning as a part of a complex sentence

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("clause" is a kind of...):

construction; expression; grammatical construction (a group of words that form a constituent of a sentence and are considered as a single unit)

Domain category:

grammar (the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics))

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "clause"):

independent clause; main clause (a clause in a complex sentence that can stand alone as a complete sentence)

coordinate clause (a clause in a complex sentence that is grammatically equivalent to the main clause and that performs the same grammatical function)

dependent clause; subordinate clause (a clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and that functions within the sentence as a noun or adjective or adverb)

relative clause (a clause introduced by a relative pronoun)

Holonyms ("clause" is a part of...):

sentence (a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language)

Derivation:

clausal (of or relating to or functioning as a clause)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

article; clause

Hypernyms ("clause" is a kind of...):

section; subdivision (a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical))

Domain category:

contract (a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "clause"):

arbitration clause (a clause in a contract providing for arbitration of disputes arising under the contract)

deductible (a clause in an insurance policy that relieves the insurer of responsibility to pay the initial loss up to a stated amount)

double indemnity (a clause in an insurance policy that provides for double the face value of the policy in the case of accidental death)

escalator; escalator clause (a clause in a contract that provides for an increase or a decrease in wages or prices or benefits etc. depending on certain conditions (as a change in the cost of living index))

joker (an inconspicuous clause in a document or bill that affects its meaning in a way that is not immediately apparent)

reserve clause (a clause that used to be part of the contract with a professional athlete extending the contract for a year beyond its expiration)

rider (a clause that is appended to a legislative bill)

Holonyms ("clause" is a part of...):

document; papers; written document (writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature))

 Context examples 

Ask your lawyer to look closely at the clauses.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

It is used to conjoin a word with a word, a clause with a clause, or a sentence with a sentence.

(And, NCI Thesaurus)

An article used to connect words, phrases, or clauses representing alternatives; used to connect alternative terms for the same thing; used in correlation; used to correct or rephrase what was previously said; otherwise.

(Or, NCI Thesaurus)

Everything honourable and soothing, every present enjoyment, and every future hope was contained in it; and her acceptance, with only the saving clause of Papa and Mamma's approbation, was eagerly given.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

I obey the first clause of the injunction by trying once more, but am not so successful with the second, for I am very stupid.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

For once more he saw before his mind’s eye, as clear as transparency, the strange clauses of the will.

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

It was but a word or two that I could catch, and yet I gathered some important news, for besides other scraps that tended to the same purpose, this whole clause was audible: Not another man of them'll jine.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

Discuss various contingencies with your lawyer to make sure the paperwork has clauses to protect you.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

Affection, said Miss Lavinia, glancing at her sister for corroboration, which she gave in the form of a little nod to every clause, mature affection, homage, devotion, does not easily express itself.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He might see a reason for his friend’s strange preference or bondage (call it which you please) and even for the startling clause of the will.

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)