punctuate
to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
to interrupt at intervals: Cheers punctuated the mayor's speech.
to give emphasis or force to; emphasize; underline.
Origin of punctuate
1Other words from punctuate
- punc·tu·a·tor, noun
- non·punc·tu·at·ing, adjective
- re·punc·tu·ate, verb (used with object), re·punc·tu·at·ed, re·punc·tu·at·ing.
- un·punc·tu·at·ed, adjective
- un·punc·tu·at·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use punctuate in a sentence
His Canon camera dangled by his side and the feeling of uncertainty over what he could now report punctuated everything he said.
The events have been punctuated by multiple awkward world leader meeting moments.
The modest eating area has more than a dozen tables, each punctuated by a small porcelain vase with a plastic flower poking out.
The Secret Soviet Power Bunker—in Latvia, a Hiding Place for the Elite | Brandon Presser | September 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHe's screaming a word over and over again, punctuated with each breath: sa'aduna, sa'aduna, sa'aduna.
Whatever You Do Someone Will Die. A Short Story About Impossible Choices in Iraq | Nathan Bradley Bethea | August 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe typically somber atmosphere at the bi-annual church convocation was punctuated by hollers, applause and a shout of “brill!”
Church of England Gets Female Bishops and a Conservative Backlash | Nico Hines | July 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
And all the while she fought him, she punctuated her blows with words, some abusing him, others in defense of her father.
The Homesteader | Oscar MicheauxThe thud of a bar dropped in place punctuated the evening's experience with a glum finality.
Valley of the Croen | Lee TarbellThe shouts of teamsters and the crack of whips punctuated the crunch of wheels as our wagons swiftly swung again into stockade.
The Way of a Man | Emerson HoughHe punctuated the blows with sobbing explanations, and promises never to let it happen again.
Mountain | Clement WoodThe printers were not compelled to decipher the peculiarities of anyone's handwriting; Stowe's copy was printed and punctuated.
Watch Yourself Go By | Al. G. Field
British Dictionary definitions for punctuate
/ (ˈpʌŋktjʊˌeɪt) /
(also intr) to insert punctuation marks into (a written text)
to interrupt or insert at frequent intervals: a meeting punctuated by heckling
to give emphasis to
Origin of punctuate
1Derived forms of punctuate
- punctuator, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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