Punctuation: meaning, definitions and examples
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punctuation
[ ˌpʌŋktʃuˈeɪʃən ]
in writing
The marks used in writing that help to separate sentences and clauses, and to clarify meaning by indicating pauses, stress, or intonation.
Synonyms
marks of punctuation, punctuation marks.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| punctuation |
This term is often used in general discussions about writing rules and guidelines. It refers to the system of signs, such as periods, commas, and question marks, used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.
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| punctuation marks |
This term is similar to 'marks of punctuation' but is more commonly used. It specifically refers to the symbols that are part of the punctuation system.
|
| marks of punctuation |
This phrase specifies the individual symbols themselves. It is less common and is usually used in more formal or academic contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- Punctuation marks include commas, periods, question marks, exclamation points, colons, and semicolons.
- Proper punctuation is essential for clear and effective communication.
in language
The use of marks such as commas, periods, and question marks in writing to separate elements and clarify meaning.
Synonyms
marks of punctuation, punctuation marks.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| punctuation |
Generally used in formal and informal writing to refer to the system of marks used in written language to clarify meaning.
|
| punctuation marks |
Used similarly to 'marks of punctuation' but more commonly found in everyday language when talking about specific punctuation symbols.
|
| marks of punctuation |
Often used in educational or linguistic settings when teaching or discussing the individual symbols used in punctuation.
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Examples of usage
- Correct punctuation can make a significant difference in the interpretation of a sentence.
- Poor punctuation can lead to misunderstandings.
general
The practice or system of using certain conventional marks or characters in writing or printing to separate elements and make the meaning clear.
Synonyms
marks of punctuation, punctuation marks.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| punctuation |
Used in general contexts to refer to the system of marks used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.
|
| punctuation marks |
Common in educational contexts to describe the symbols used in punctuation when explaining or teaching them.
|
| marks of punctuation |
Can be used in more formal or academic contexts to specifically refer to the individual symbols used in punctuation.
|
Examples of usage
- Learning proper punctuation is an important aspect of mastering a language.
- Good punctuation enhances the readability of a text.
Translations
Translations of the word "punctuation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pontuação
🇮🇳 विराम चिह्न
🇩🇪 Interpunktion
🇮🇩 tanda baca
🇺🇦 пунктуація
🇵🇱 interpunkcja
🇯🇵 句読点 (くとうてん)
🇫🇷 ponctuation
🇪🇸 puntuación
🇹🇷 noktalama
🇰🇷 구두점 (gudujeom)
🇸🇦 علامات الترقيم
🇨🇿 interpunkce
🇸🇰 interpunkcia
🇨🇳 标点符号 (biāodiǎn fúhào)
🇸🇮 ločila
🇮🇸 greinarmerki
🇰🇿 тыныс белгілері
🇬🇪 პუნქტუაცია
🇦🇿 durğu işarələri
🇲🇽 puntuación
Etymology
The word 'punctuation' originated from the Latin word 'punctuatio', which means 'a marking with points'. The use of punctuation marks dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who used them to indicate pauses and intonation in speech. Over time, punctuation evolved to include a variety of marks to help clarify meaning and structure in written language. Today, proper punctuation is considered essential for effective communication in various languages around the world.