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Unquote Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unquote

[ʌnˈkwoʊt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

programming language

To unquote is to remove quotation marks or other encapsulating characters from a string of text. This action is commonly used in programming, where coded strings can often be surrounded by quotes to define their boundaries. By unquoting, the programmer can manipulate or evaluate the content within the quotes more effectively. It's important to ensure that the resulting string does not contain any unnecessary formatting or characters that could lead to errors in processing or usage.

Synonyms

dequote, strip quotes.

Examples of usage

  • Please unquote the string before processing it.
  • The function will unquote the input parameter automatically.
  • In Python, you can unquote URLs using the urllib library.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase became popular in television and movies, often used by journalists or characters discussing news.
  • Stand-up comedians frequently use 'unquote' to emphasize when they're sharing their own humorous thoughts instead of someone else's.
  • Various public figures have used 'unquote' in speeches to clarify their original thoughts, signaling a shift from cited statements.

Language Usage

  • In conversation, 'unquote' helps listeners understand that the speaker is giving their own opinion rather than referencing someone else's idea.
  • Various languages have their own versions of 'unquote,' showcasing how quoting and paraphrasing are universal communication practices.
  • 'Unquote' can be used sarcastically to indicate when someone seems to have taken an idea from someone else without credit.

Educational Insights

  • Academics stress the importance of correctly quoting sources, making the term 'unquote' significant in discussions about plagiarism.
  • Learning to distinguish between quoting and paraphrasing helps students develop better writing and critical thinking skills.
  • Debates often utilize 'quote' or 'unquote' to clarify positions, fostering critical analysis of ideas presented.

Origin of 'unquote'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'the opposite of,' making 'unquote' mean 'to not quote'.
  • The word 'quote' comes from the Latin 'quotare,' meaning 'to mark a number,' like numbering phrases to refer back to.
  • Unquote emerged in the mid-20th century as a term used primarily in spoken language before becoming part of written English.

The term 'unquote' emerged in the late 20th century with the rise of computer programming and coding languages. Prior to the digital age, the use of quotations primarily pertained to written language, serving to delineate speech or quoted content in texts. As coding languages developed, the concept of quotes began to crystallize in syntax rules, becoming essential in defining string literals. The prefix 'un-' suggests a reversal or negation, indicating that 'unquote' pertains specifically to the act of removing quote marks, enhancing clarity and precision in programming. The growing significance of programming languages in various industries has solidified 'unquote' as a vital term in technical vocabulary, reflecting the evolution of language alongside technological advancement.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,993, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.