GRAMMAR

grammar

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

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

grammar (countable and uncountable, plural grammars)

A system of rules and principles for speaking and writing a language.

(uncountable, linguistics) The study of the internal structure of words (morphology) and the use of words in the construction of phrases and sentences (syntax).

A book describing the rules of grammar of a language.

(computing theory) A formal system specifying the syntax of a language.

Actual or presumed prescriptive notions about the correct use of a language.

(computing theory) A formal system defining a formal language

The basic rules or principles of a field of knowledge or a particular skill.

(British, archaic) A textbook.

(UK) A grammar school.

Synonyms

• (study & field of study in medieval Latin contexts): glomery

• (linguistics): morpho-syntax (from the relationship between morphology and syntax)

Hyponyms

• context-sensitive grammar

• finite-state grammar

• Turing-complete grammar

• normative grammar

Verb

grammar (third-person singular simple present grammars, present participle grammaring, simple past and past participle grammared)

(obsolete, intransitive) To discourse according to the rules of grammar; to use grammar.

Source: Wiktionary


Gram"mar, n. Etym: [OE. gramere, OF. gramaire, F. grammaire Prob. fr. L. gramatica Gr Gramme, Graphic, and cf. Grammatical, Gramarye.]

1. The science which treats of the principles of language; the study of forms of speech, and their relations to one another; the art concerned with the right use aud application of the rules of a language, in speaking or writing.

Note: The whole fabric of grammar rests upon the classifying of words according to their function in the sentence. Bain.

2. The art of speaking or writing with correctness or according to established usage; speech considered with regard to the rules of a grammar. The original bad grammar and bad spelling. Macaulay.

3. A treatise on the principles of language; a book containing the principles and rules for correctness in speaking or writing.

4. treatise on the elements or principles of any science; as, a grammar of geography. Comparative grammar, the science which determines the relations of kindred languages by examining and comparing their grammatical forms.

– Grammar school. (a) A school, usually endowed, in which Latin and Greek grammar are taught, as also other studies preparatory to colleges or universities; as, the famous Rugby Grammar School. This use of the word is more common in England than in the United States. When any town shall increase to the number of a hundred families or householders, they shall set up a grammar school, the master thereof being able to instruct youth so far as they may be fitted for the University. Mass. Records (1647). (b) In the American system of graded common schools an intermediate grade between the primary school and the high school, in which the principles of English grammar are taught.

Gram"mar, v. i.

Definition: To discourse according to the rules of grammar; to use grammar. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

14 November 2024

FRISK

(noun) the act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs; “he gave the suspect a quick frisk”


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