Word
punctuation
Phoneticspunc·tu·a·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpəŋktʃuˈeɪʃən/
UK/pˌʌŋktʃuːˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01writing marks
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the marks, such as commas, periods, and question marks, used in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.
n. the conventional system of symbols used in written text to indicate pauses, stops, and grammatical relationships between clauses.
Español:puntuación
“Correct punctuation makes it much easier for people to understand your writing.”
“The author's minimalist approach to punctuation often forces the reader to interpret the rhythm of the prose without the aid of commas.”
Pitfall
He forgot to use punctuations in his essay.
He forgot to use punctuation in his essay.
When referring to the system of marks as a whole, 'punctuation' is usually uncountable and does not take an 's'.
02the act of punctuating
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of adding marks to a piece of writing.
n. the action or process of inserting marks into a text to define its structure.
“The punctuation of the document took longer than the actual writing.”
“The meticulous punctuation of the legal contract ensured that no ambiguity could be exploited by the opposing counsel.”
Synonyms
03Hebrew vowel marks
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical
n. the small marks used in Hebrew writing to show which vowel sounds to use.
n. a system of diacritical marks used in Hebrew script to represent vowels or distinguish between alternative pronunciations.
“Modern Hebrew newspapers often leave out the punctuation to save space.”
“Scholars debated whether the addition of punctuation to the ancient scrolls altered the traditional liturgical reading of the text.”
Synonyms
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin punctuātiō (“a marking with points, a writing, agreement”), from punctuō (“to mark with points, settle”). Morphologically, punctuate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/punctuation
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0