punctuate

[puhngk-choo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

punctuated, punctuating 

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)

punctuated, punctuating 

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

Other Word Forms

• punctuator noun
• nonpunctuating adjective
• repunctuate verb (used with object)
• unpunctuated adjective
• unpunctuating 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

Then there’s the social benefit: During my breaks, I can book calls only with someone who knows me well enough to be forgiving if our conversation is occasionally punctuated by “Thomas, leave it!”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Kigali, the eponymous climb of Rwanda’s capital city, punctuated by a cobblestoned sector—Kwa Mutwe—so steep it was a chore to walk, never mind pedal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The club hits pulsed, her dancing was evocative and precise, and the set was again punctuated with a locally-sourced cover from each city she performs in; this time “The Chain” from Fleetwood Mac.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As unlikely as the tour seemed on paper, Blur's penchant for storytelling about everyday British life - punctuated by some bouncy guitar-driven pop melodies - made them a perfect fit for a quintessential seaside jaunt.

Read more on BBC

But the weirdest moment may be how the director decided to punctuate what was supposed to be a sober-minded press conference on Sept. 12 revealing the details of Robinson’s arrest.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• interrupt 
• intersperse 
• pepper 
• sprinkle 
• underline