English Reference

Word

mark

US/ˈmɑɹk/

UK/mˈɑːk/

Definitions

01a visible sign

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a small area of dirt, a scratch, or a line on a surface.

n. a visible impression or trace on a surface, such as a stain, scratch, or scar.

“There was a dark coffee mark on the white carpet.”

“The removalists were careful, yet they still left a faint scuff mark on the hardwood floor near the entrance.”

Synonyms

02a school grade

A2 · Elementary Countable noun British English

n. a number or letter that shows how well you did on a test or school work.

n. a unit of evaluation representing the proficiency or score achieved in an examination or assignment.

“She was very happy because she got a high mark in her English exam.”

“Students who fail to meet the minimum mark required for the module must attend a mandatory review session before the final assessment.”

Synonyms

03a target

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a target that you try to hit when shooting or throwing.

n. a target or goal, often used figuratively to describe a level of accuracy or success.

“The arrow hit the mark exactly in the center.”

“The CEO's speech was well-received, but critics argued his financial projections were wide of the mark.”

04a victim of a scam

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Slang

n. a person who is chosen to be tricked or cheated by a criminal.

n. the intended victim of a swindle, scam, or confidence trick.

“The con artist spent weeks watching the mark before making a move.”

“The pickpockets operated in pairs, with one distracting the mark while the other reached for the wallet.”

Synonyms

05to write or label

A2 · Elementary

v. to write or put a sign on something so you can recognize it.

v. to put a visible sign or character on an object for identification or information.

“Please mark your luggage with your name and phone number.”

“The archaeologists carefully marked each fragment with a unique code before transporting them to the laboratory for analysis.”

Synonyms

06to grade work

A2 · Elementary British English

v. to look at a student's work and give it a score or correct the mistakes.

v. to evaluate and correct written work, assigning a grade or score.

“The teacher stayed late to mark the history essays.”

“The professor spent the entire weekend marking final examinations to ensure the results were posted before the holiday break.”

07to celebrate or signify

B1 · Intermediate

v. to show that an event is important by doing something special.

v. to acknowledge or celebrate a significant event or anniversary; to serve as a sign of something.

“A parade was held to mark the city's 100th birthday.”

“The signing of the treaty marks a significant turning point in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.”

08to guard a player

B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports

v. to stay close to an opponent in a game to stop them from getting the ball.

v. to stay close to an opposing player to prevent them from receiving the ball or playing effectively.

“The defender was told to mark the star striker very closely.”

“The coach instructed the midfielders to mark their opponents tightly to disrupt the flow of the visiting team's passing game.”

Synonyms

09to damage a surface

B1 · Intermediate

v. to spoil the look of something by scratching it or making it dirty.

v. to spoil the appearance of a surface by creating an unwanted trace or blemish.

“Be careful not to mark the table with your heavy boots.”

“The soft lead of the pencil easily marked the delicate vellum, requiring the artist to work with extreme precision.”

Antonyms

10oven temperature

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking British English

n. a number on a gas oven that shows how hot it is.

n. a specific setting on a gas oven scale indicating the temperature.

“Bake the cake at gas mark 4 for forty-five minutes.”

“The recipe required the oven to be preheated to gas mark 6, which is approximately 200 degrees Celsius.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mark” in context.

01. marks the first 02. mark transition

Etymology

From Middle English Mark, from the Latin praenomen (i.e. first name) Mārcus, derived from Mārs, the Roman god of war, originally Māvors, from Proto-Italic *Māwortis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Idioms

Domains

CookingLogicNauticalSports

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference