Virgule: meaning, definitions and examples
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virgule
[ ˈvɜːrɡuːl ]
punctuation mark
A virgule is a punctuation mark resembling a short diagonal line (/) used to separate related elements or indicate alternatives. It is often used in contexts like mathematics and writing to denote a division or a choice between two options.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- You can choose apples/pears.
- The fraction three/four can be simplified.
- Use a virgule in dates like 12/25/2023.
Translations
Translations of the word "virgule" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vírgula
🇮🇳 कमा
🇩🇪 Komma
🇮🇩 koma
🇺🇦 кома
🇵🇱 przecinek
🇯🇵 カンマ
🇫🇷 virgule
🇪🇸 coma
🇹🇷 virgül
🇰🇷 쉼표
🇸🇦 فاصلة
🇨🇿 čárka
🇸🇰 čiarka
🇨🇳 逗号
🇸🇮 vejica
🇮🇸 komma
🇰🇿 үтір
🇬🇪 კომა
🇦🇿 vergül
🇲🇽 coma
Etymology
The term 'virgule' originates from the Latin word 'virgula', which means 'small twig'. The usage of the virgule as a punctuation mark dates back to the 14th century when it began to be used to indicate pauses in written texts. Its name reflects the mark's slender appearance, likening it to a small twig or stroke. In medieval manuscripts, the virgule was often used to separate items in lists or to indicate an alternative, similar to its functions today. The virgule gained prominence in various fields, especially in mathematics and programming, where it serves to represent division or the concept of alternatives between two options. Over time, the virgule has evolved in its use and remains an integral part of punctuation in modern writing.