punctuate

[ puhngk-choo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, punc·tu·at·ed, punc·tu·at·ing.

1. to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
2. to interrupt at intervals:

   Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.

3. to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.

verb (used without object)

, punc·tu·at·ed, punc·tu·at·ing.

1. to insert or use marks of punctuation.

punctuate

/ ˈpʌŋktjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. also intr to insert punctuation marks into (a written text)
2. to interrupt or insert at frequent intervals

   a meeting punctuated by heckling

3. to give emphasis to

Derived Forms

• ˈpunctuˌator, noun

Other Words From

• punctu·ator noun
• non·punctu·ating adjective
• re·punctu·ate verb (used with object) repunctuated repunctuating
• un·punctu·ated adjective
• un·punctu·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

1625–35; < Medieval Latin pūnctuātus (past participle of pūnctuāre to point), derivative of Latin pūnctus a pricking; punctual

Word History and Origins

Origin of punctuate¹

C17: from Medieval Latin punctuāre to prick, from Latin punctum a prick, from pungere to puncture

Example Sentences

Desplat’s score complements several monologues, punctuates scene transitions and montages, and raises the heat on the supernatural finale.

From Los Angeles Times

This evolution was punctuated around 30 million years ago with the emergence of a newer, better way to photosynthesize.

From Science Daily

James hit back-to-back threes in the fourth quarter — punctuating the second with his signature “silencer” celebration — as he stomped his feet in glee.

From Los Angeles Times

In the molecules of my memory, I hold on to the punctuated beauty of the flower because I believe in what it can accomplish, in what it returns, in what it allows room for.

From Los Angeles Times

The good news is a swipe left or the word "no" punctuated with a laugh will relieve them of this delusion.

From Salon

Related Words

• interrupt
• intersperse
• pepper
• sprinkle
• underline