Cláusula

Cláusula is a term used in several Romance languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, to refer to a unit of meaning that can be part of a sentence or a provision in a legal text. In grammar, a clause is a group of words that contains a verb and its related elements and may convey a complete proposition or depend on another clause to be understood.

In linguistic terms, clauses are often distinguished as main (independent) and subordinate (dependent). A main clause can usually stand alone as a sentence, while a subordinate clause functions as a part of the larger sentence and does not express a complete thought by itself. Subordinate clauses can be nominal (acting as a noun), adverbial (modifying the verb of the main clause), or relative (modifying a noun). Clauses may be finite, carrying tense and modality, or non-finite, with verb forms such as infinitives or participles that do not express a distinct subject or time on their own.

In legal and contractual usage, a cláusula refers to a provision or stipulation within a document such as a contract, will, treaty, or policy. Each clause states a specific right, obligation, condition, exception, or limitation. Clauses are typically enumerated and drafted to be precise and, where possible, separable from other provisions to aid interpretation and enforceability. Ambiguities in clauses are commonly addressed through standard interpretive rules and, when necessary, negotiation or judicial resolution.

Etymologically, cláusula derives from Latin clausula, meaning a closing or closing statement, linked to clausere, “to close.” See also terms such as independent clause, subordinate clause, nominal clause, and contractual provision.