First Known Use: circa 1766
Dictionary
punctuate
verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\
: to use punctuation marks in (a piece of writing)
: to interrupt or occur in (something) repeatedly
punc·tu·at·edpunc·tu·at·ing
Full Definition of PUNCTUATE
transitive verb
1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals <the steady click of her needles punctuated the silence — Edith Wharton>
3
intransitive verb
: to use punctuation marks
— punc·tu·a·tor \-ˌwā-tər\ noun
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Origin of PUNCTUATE
Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point
Related to PUNCTUATE
- Synonyms
- accent, accentuate, feature, foreground, highlight, illuminate, play up, point (up), press, emphasize, stress
- Antonyms
- de-emphasize, play down
Rhymes with PUNCTUATE
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PUNCTUATING Defined for Kids
punctuate
verb punc·tu·ate \ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt\
punc·tu·at·edpunc·tu·at·ing
Definition of PUNCTUATE for Kids
1
: to add punctuation marks to writing
2
: to interrupt or occur in repeatedly <His speech was punctuated by applause.>
3
: to give emphasis to <She kept talking, using her hands sometimes to punctuate a point. — Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck>
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