sentence

sen'-ten(t)s
from L. sententia, "opinion, thought"
sententia
maxim, proverb

Definition

A short, pithy statement of general truth.

Sentences are often used to conclude an argument or to provide a memorable summary of a point. They are often proverbial in nature.

See also maxim, proverb.

Examples

Here is an example of a sentence from Shakespeare's Hamlet:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

Related Figures

See Also

Sources:
Aquil. 6 ("sententia"); Melanch. IR d1v ("sententia"); Peacham (1577) L1r; Fraunce (1588) 1.10; Putt. (1589) 236; Hoskins (1599) 12