Clause
KLAWZ
/klɔːz/
A particular section or paragraph in a legal document, treaty, or contract.
Refers to a distinct, often numbered, article or provision within a larger document, specifying a particular point or condition.
The story behind the word. The word 'clause' comes to us from the Old French clause, which meant 'a closing' or 'a conclusion.' This, in turn, originated from the Latin clausa, the feminine past participle of claudere, meaning 'to close.' Think of each clause as a self-contained 'closed' unit of thought or condition within a larger document. It's a distinct, complete idea that 'closes off' a particular point before moving to the next.
Word relationships
- Provision: A condition or requirement in a legal document.
- Article: A separate part of a treaty, contract, or law, often numbered.
- Section: A distinct part of a book, document, or law.
Commonly confused with
- Paragraph: While a clause can be a paragraph, 'clause' specifically denotes a distinct legal or logical unit of meaning, whereas 'paragraph' is a structural unit of text.
Word family
- claustral (adjective): of or like a cloister; confined
Collocations
- escape clause
- penalty clause
- severability clause
- confidentiality clause
- read a clause
Example sentences
- "The termination clause in the employment contract specified the conditions under which either party could end the agreement." Referring to a specific condition in a contract.
- "Critics argued that the controversial clause in the new bill would disproportionately affect small businesses." Discussing a part of a legislative bill.
- "Each clause of the treaty was meticulously negotiated to ensure mutual benefit." Explaining the structure of a document.
Memory hook
A CLAUSE is a CLOSe-d off section of a document. CLAUSE: Closed section.
When not to use
Do not use 'clause' for a general statement or an entire document. It refers to a specific, usually self-contained, part.
Fun facts
- The word 'cloister' (a covered walk in a monastery or college) also comes from the same Latin root claudere, meaning 'to close,' referring to an enclosed space.
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