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Punctuating: meaning, definitions and examples

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punctuating

 

[ pʌŋk.tʃuː.eɪ.tɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

writing rules

Punctuating refers to the process of using punctuation marks to clarify and separate elements in writing. It is essential for conveying meaning and ensuring readability in written text. Punctuation marks, such as periods, commas, and question marks, help to indicate pauses, the end of sentences, and the structure of written language. Proper punctuation can drastically change the meaning of a sentence and can also affect the tone and flow of text.

Synonyms

marking, notating

Examples of usage

  • She forgot to punctuate her essay.
  • Punctuating correctly is crucial in formal writing.
  • Teachers emphasize the importance of punctuating sentences.
  • He often struggles with punctuating dialogues.

Translations

Translations of the word "punctuating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontuação

🇮🇳 विराम चिह्न

🇩🇪 Interpunktion

🇮🇩 penandaan

🇺🇦 пунктуація

🇵🇱 interpunkcja

🇯🇵 句読点

🇫🇷 ponctuation

🇪🇸 puntuación

🇹🇷 noktalama

🇰🇷 구두점

🇸🇦 علامات الترقيم

🇨🇿 interpunkce

🇸🇰 interpunkcia

🇨🇳 标点符号

🇸🇮 interpunkcija

🇮🇸 punkta

🇰🇿 пунктуация

🇬🇪 ინტერპუნქცია

🇦🇿 nöqtə

🇲🇽 puntuación

Etymology

The word 'punctuate' comes from the Latin 'punctuare', which means to mark with points or to separate. This Latin term is derived from 'punctus', meaning 'point', which relates to the small marks used in writing. The evolution of punctuation has been significant throughout the history of the written word. In ancient scripts, such as Latin and Greek, symbols were employed to indicate spaces and pauses. The modern system of punctuation we recognize today started to take shape during the Renaissance, influenced by the printing press and shifts in literary styles. Over the centuries, punctuation has not only served the purpose of clarifying meaning but has also evolved in response to changes in language and communication practices, adapting to the needs of writers and readers alike.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,366 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.