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

She described Heller and Adams as "a dynamic pair, finding ways to punctuate their bizarre tale with brutal honesty, off-the-wall humour, and a desire to celebrate the messiness and magic of motherhood".

From BBC

Everything goes from technicolor to a muted black, where only occasional bursts of yellow light punctuate the darkness to showcase the room’s focal points.

From Salon

As if to punctuate his nostalgia, Lowe makes an explicit nod to the Beatles and those days of yore, singing, “last night I said these words to my girl.”

From Salon

In rhythmic gymnastics, ribbons become an extension of the dancer’s body and punctuate every movement with equal parts control and abandon.

From Los Angeles Times

Light-hearted moments - a decidedly wonky tourniquet here or there - punctuate a heavy air.

From BBC

Related Words

• interrupt
• intersperse
• pepper
• sprinkle
• underline