paragraph
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for paragraph, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A distinct section of writing, usually several sentences long, dealing with a single idea and starting on a new line.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use paragraph
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek paragraphos, from para- ("beside") + grapho ("to write") — originally a mark noting a new section of text.
Full origin of paragraph →Frequently asked questions
What does “paragraph” mean?
The word “paragraph” means a distinct section of writing, usually several sentences long, dealing with a single idea and starting on a new line. In plain terms, a block of writing focused on one idea, set off from the rest of the text.
How do you pronounce “paragraph”?
“Paragraph” is pronounced PA-ruhg-rahf (/ˈpæɹəɡɹæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “paragraph” in a sentence?
Here is “paragraph” used in a sentence: “Break the essay into shorter paragraphs for clarity.”
What part of speech is “paragraph”?
“Paragraph” is a noun.
Where does the word “paragraph” come from?
The word “paragraph” comes from Greek. From Greek paragraphos, from para- ("beside") + grapho ("to write") — originally a mark noting a new section of text.
Is “paragraph” a common word?
“Paragraph” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many sentences should a paragraph have?
There is no fixed rule. A paragraph is usually several sentences long, and school writing often suggests three to five, but a single sentence can stand as a paragraph if it fully covers one idea. What defines a paragraph is that it deals with a single idea and starts on a new line.
What is the difference between a sentence and a paragraph?
A sentence is a single complete statement. A paragraph is a larger unit: a distinct section of writing, usually made up of several sentences, that deals with one idea and begins on a new line.
When should you start a new paragraph?
Start a new paragraph whenever you move to a new idea, and in stories whenever the speaker, time, or place changes. Visually, a new paragraph begins on a new line, usually marked by an indent or a blank line before it.
What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?
A topic sentence states the single main idea the paragraph deals with, and it usually comes first. The rest of the paragraph develops, explains, or supports that idea.