Marks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marks

[mษ‘หrks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

Marks are symbols or numbers that indicate the quality of a student's work or performance.

Synonyms

grades, ratings, scores.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marks

Used primarily in British English to refer to the results or points received in an exam or assessment.

  • She received high marks on her biology exam
  • His marks in mathematics have improved significantly
grades

Commonly used in American English to describe the letters (A, B, C, etc.) that represent the quality of a student's performance. Also used to describe different levels or standards, such as in products or official ranks.

  • He got an A grade in English
  • They're in the second grade of primary school
scores

Often refers to numerical results in exams, competitions, sports, or any activity that involves points or a tally. Can also be used to describe achievements or victories.

  • She scored 95 out of 100 on the test
  • The final score of the game was 3-2
ratings

Typically used to describe a level of quality, often in terms of opinions, reviews, or performance, such as in TV shows, movies, and products. Can sometimes have a more formal, often evaluative tone.

  • The movie received high ratings from critics
  • This restaurant has a five-star rating

Examples of usage

  • She received high marks on her essay.
  • The teacher graded the exam and handed back the marks to the students.
Context #2 | Noun

punctuation

Marks are symbols used in writing to indicate punctuation, such as periods, commas, question marks, etc.

Synonyms

punctuation, signs, symbols.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marks

Refers to physical impressions or traces left on surfaces. Synonymous with scuffs or blemishes. Could have a slightly negative connotation when referring to damage.

  • There were pencil marks all over the desk.
  • The car had several marks from the accident.
symbols

Refers to characters or pictures that represent ideas, objects, or relationships, often used in mathematics, writing systems, or culture.

  • The heart symbol is often used to represent love.
  • Mathematical symbols include the plus and minus signs.
signs

Used to describe indications or clues of something. Also refers to written or posted notices for public view.

  • There were clear signs that the economy was improving.
  • The 'Stop' signs were clearly visible on the road.
punctuation

Refers to the marks used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.

  • Proper punctuation is essential for clear communication.
  • He forgot to use punctuation in his email.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to use the correct marks in your sentences.
  • The editor added marks to improve the clarity of the text.
Context #3 | Verb

making a visible impression

To mark something is to make a visible impression or sign on a surface.

Synonyms

indicate, label, sign.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marks

This is often used in the context of education to describe grades or scores given for schoolwork or tests.

  • She received high marks on her math test.
  • His marks in science have improved.
sign

This word is suitable for physical symbols or markers that communicate information, often in public places or on documents.

  • There's a 'No Parking' sign on that street.
  • He put up a For Sale sign outside the house.
indicate

This word is used when you want to show or point out something, often in a formal or analytical context.

  • The data indicate a significant increase in sales.
  • Her nod indicated agreement.
label

Use this in situations where you're talking about categorizing or naming things, often objects, products, or people.

  • Label the jars with their contents before storing them.
  • He was unfairly labeled as a troublemaker.

Examples of usage

  • He marked the document with a red pen.
  • The artist marked the canvas with bold strokes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In schools worldwide, marks are essential as they represent a student's performance and understanding of subjects.
  • Different countries have various grading systems, with marks often ranging from letters (like A, B, C) to numbers (like 1 to 10).
  • Research suggests that the way marks are presented can impact a student's motivation and self-esteem.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'make your mark' signifies leaving a unique impact on the world, popularized in motivational speeches and literature.
  • In sports, 'marks' can refer to scoring points, such as in football or basketball, where making a mark means achieving success during a game.
  • Movies and TV shows often portray characters achieving their dreams by earning significant marks in competitions or tests.

Psychology

  • The way marks are perceived can vary; while some see them as a measure of success, others see them as sources of stress or anxiety.
  • Studying how marks influence self-worth shows that high marks can boost confidence, while poor marks can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
  • Psychologists emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement through marks, as they can encourage continued effort and improvement.

Art

  • Artists often use marks in their work to convey emotion and meaning, whether through brushstrokes or pencil lines.
  • In graphic design, marks can refer to symbols used to enhance visual communication, combining art with clear messaging.
  • Street art commonly uses 'marks' as part of a painterโ€™s signature, giving a personal touch and claiming space in urban environments.

Origin of 'marks'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Middle English 'marc,' which means a sign or a token, originating from Old English 'mearc.'
  • In ancient languages, 'marks' were often used to denote property or ownership, as in marking your territory.
  • The use of the word has evolved, expanding from physical marks to include numerical scores and grades in education.

The word 'marks' has its origins in Old English, where it was used to refer to a sign or trace left by something. Over time, the meaning evolved to include symbols indicating quality or punctuation in writing. The term has been used in education to assess students' performance since the late 19th century.


See also: mark, markdown, marked, markedly, markers, marking, markings, marksman, marksmanship, markup, remark, unmarked.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,613, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.