grammar Meaning, Definition & Usage

Gram"mar noun

Etymology

OE. gramere, OF. gramaire, F. grammaire Prob. fr. L. gramatica Gr , fem. of skilled in grammar, fr. letter. See Gramme, Graphic, and cf. Grammatical, Gramarye.

Definitions

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. ✍ 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.

   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. now = primary school

Gram"mar intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To discourse according to the rules of grammar; to use grammar. Obs. Beau. & Fl.