Punctuate: meaning, definitions and examples

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punctuate

 

[ ˈpʌŋkʧuːeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

writing rules

To punctuate means to add standard marks, such as periods, commas, and question marks, to writing. These marks help clarify meaning and indicate pauses or stops in text. Proper punctuation is essential for the readability and coherence of written communication. In many languages, punctuation also helps convey tone and emotion.

Synonyms

mark, notate, point

Examples of usage

  • Please punctuate your essay correctly.
  • Did you punctuate the list properly?
  • It's important to punctuate your sentences.

Translations

Translations of the word "punctuate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontuar

🇮🇳 अंकन करना

🇩🇪 punktuieren

🇮🇩 memberi tanda baca

🇺🇦 пунктуація

🇵🇱 punctuować

🇯🇵 句読点を付ける

🇫🇷 ponctuer

🇪🇸 puntuar

🇹🇷 noktalama yapmak

🇰🇷 구두점을 찍다

🇸🇦 تنقيط

🇨🇿 interpunkce

🇸🇰 interpunkcia

🇨🇳 标点

🇸🇮 interpunkcija

🇮🇸 punktun

🇰🇿 пунктуация

🇬🇪 წერტილები

🇦🇿 nöqtə işarəsi qoymaq

🇲🇽 puntuar

Etymology

The term 'punctuate' originates from the Latin word 'punctus', which means 'point'. The evolution of written language included the need for various signs to indicate pauses or the end of statements. As writing systems developed, punctuation marks were created to denote structure and meaning in texts. By the late 15th century, the term 'punctuation' appeared in English, derived from the same Latin root, emphasizing the importance of these marks in clarifying written communication. Gradually, the rules governing punctuation became formalized, with styles and conventions varying across languages and cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,150, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.