Clause

Noun

Definition: A particular and separate article, stipulation, or proviso in a treaty, bill, or contract.

Synonyms: Provision, Article, Stipulation, Condition, Requirement

Antonyms: Omission, Deletion, Exclusion

Examples:

The contract included a clause about confidentiality.
The treaty has a non-proliferation clause.

Mnemonics:

Think of a "clause" as a separate and specific provision in a legal document.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English, from Old French, based on Latin 'clausula' (a closing or end clause), from 'claudere' (to close).

Historical Usage:

The word "clause" has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to separate provisions or sections in legal documents.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Escape clause"

Explanation:

A provision in a contract or agreement that allows one or both parties to back out or terminate the agreement under certain circumstances.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "clause" with "clause 4" or "Santa clause".

Explanation:

While "clause" and "clause 4" are related in terms of general meaning, they refer to different concepts. "Santa clause" is completely unrelated and refers to the mythical figure associated with Christmas.