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

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From Salon

In a 5-1 walk-off win over the Dodgers, the Giants certainly played that way, punctuating the night with Patrick Bailey’s grand slam off Tanner Scott in the bottom of the 10th.

From Los Angeles Times

The relaxed tone in his voice matches his comfy clothing, punctuated by cool accessories — a chic pair of third-eye sunglasses and sandals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interrupt 
• intersperse 
• pepper 
• sprinkle 
• underline