Library / English Dictionary

CLAUSE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (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)

Synonyms:

article; clause

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

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))

Credits

 Context examples: 

Some of the clauses could be confusing or missing, and you’ll need to clarify this arrangement with your lawyer’s language added.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

I recollect, as the wind and water began to sound fainter in my ears, putting a short clause into my prayers, petitioning that I might grow up to marry little Em'ly, and so dropping lovingly asleep.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Neptune will be in hard angle to that full moon of December 11, so it would not be the right time to sign a contract, as it appears key clauses could be confusing, misleading, or missing.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

She named no names, she said; let them the cap fitted, wear it; but spies, intruders, and informers, especially in widders' weeds (this clause was underlined), she had ever accustomed herself to look down upon.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)