First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
grammar
noun gram·mar \ˈgra-mər\
: the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language
: speech or writing judged by how well it follows the rules of grammar
: a book that explains the grammar rules of a language
Full Definition of GRAMMAR
1
a : the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in the sentence b : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection and syntax
2
a : the characteristic system of inflections and syntax of a language b : a system of rules that defines the grammatical structure of a language
3
a : a grammar textbook b : speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules
4
: the principles or rules of an art, science, or technique <a grammar of the theater>; also : a set of such principles or rules
— gram·mar·i·an \grə-ˈmer-ē-ən\ noun
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Origin of GRAMMAR
Middle English gramere, from Anglo-French gramaire, modification of Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatikē, from feminine of grammatikos of letters, from grammat-, gramma — more at gram
Related to GRAMMAR
- Synonyms
- ABC(s), alphabet, basics, elements, essentials, fundamentals, principles, rudiments
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
GRAMMAR Defined for Kids
grammar
noun gram·mar \ˈgra-mər\
Definition of GRAMMAR for Kids
1
: the rules of how words are used in a language
2
: speech or writing judged according to the rules of grammar
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