mark

mark

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "mark" is /mɑːrk/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable (in this case, there's only one):

• m: /m/ - a bilabial nasal consonant (made by closing both lips and letting air escape through the nose)

• ɑː: /ɑː/ - a long, low back vowel (like the "a" in "father")

• r: /r/ - an alveolar approximant consonant (the tongue is near the alveolar ridge behind the teeth, but not touching, creating a smooth, flowing sound)

• k: /k/ - a voiceless velar stop consonant (made by stopping airflow at the back of the mouth with the tongue)

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Word Form Variations

• mark (singular noun): A visible trace or impression. Also used as a verb.

• marks (plural noun): More than one mark.

• marked (past tense/past participle verb): Indicated or made a mark on. Also used as an adjective.

• marking (present participle/gerund verb): The act of making a mark. Also used as a noun.

• marker (noun): Something that makes a mark.

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun:

1. Definition: A visible trace or impression left on a surface.

• Synonyms: blemish, scar, stain, impression, sign, indication, trace, vestige, print, brand, label

• Antonyms: cleanliness, unmarked surface, erasure

2. Definition: A symbol, sign, or character used to represent something.

• Synonyms: symbol, sign, character, notation, designation, token, logo, trademark

• Antonyms: ambiguity, unidentifiable symbol

3. Definition: A grade or score assigned to a piece of work or performance.

• Synonyms: grade, score, rating, evaluation, assessment

• Antonyms: failure, zero, ungraded

4. Definition: A target or goal.

• Synonyms: aim, target, goal, objective, standard

• Antonyms: failure, miss, deviation

Verb:

1. Definition: To make a visible trace or impression on a surface.

• Synonyms: blemish, scar, stain, imprint, impress, engrave, etch, brand, label, tag

• Antonyms: erase, clean, remove, obliterate

2. Definition: To designate or indicate something.

• Synonyms: indicate, designate, denote, signify, specify, label, tag, identify, highlight

• Antonyms: conceal, hide, obscure, misrepresent

3. Definition: To assign a grade or score to.

• Synonyms: grade, score, evaluate, assess, appraise

• Antonyms: fail, pass (without a grade), exempt

4. Definition: To take notice of or pay attention to.

• Synonyms: note, observe, notice, heed, recognize, remember, consider

• Antonyms: ignore, disregard, overlook, neglect

Adjective:

1. Definition: (Of a quality or feature) easily noticeable or prominent

• Synonyms: noticeable, prominent, conspicuous, distinct, evident, remarkable, significant

• Antonyms: unnoticeable, inconspicuous, subtle, insignificant

2. Definition: (Past participle of the verb "mark") Having been marked or designated.

• Synonyms: labeled, tagged, identified, designated, indicated

• Antonyms: unmarked, unlabeled, unidentified

Adverb: (Rare usage, often replaced by "markedly")

1. Definition: In a noticeable or significant way.

• Synonyms: noticeably, significantly, markedly, distinctly, evidently

• Antonyms: unnoticeably, insignificantly, subtly

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Examples of Use

Noun:

1. Visible Trace/Impression: "The car left a long black mark on the freshly paved road." (General public discourse)

2. Symbol/Sign: "The ancient runes contained strange marks that no one could decipher." (Book - fictional example)

3. Grade/Score: "She received a high mark on her final exam." (Educational context)

4. Target/Goal: "The company aims to achieve a 10% increase in sales, that's their mark." (Business context)

5. Brand/Trademark: "Nike's swoosh is a globally recognized mark." (Business/Marketing context)

Verb:

1. Make a Trace: "The children marked the walls with crayons." (General public discourse)

2. Designate/Indicate: "The teacher marked the incorrect answers on the test." (Educational context)

3. Assign a Grade: "The professor marked the essays based on clarity and originality." (Educational context)

4. Take Notice: "Please mark my words: this will not end well." (General public discourse)

5. Celebrate/Commemorate: "The city will mark the 100th anniversary of its founding." (Public discourse/News)

Adjective:

1. Noticeable/Prominent: "There was a marked improvement in his behavior after the intervention." (General public discourse)

2. (Past participle): "The marked trails led hikers through the dense forest." (Outdoor/Hiking context)

Adverb: (Less common, often replaced by "markedly")

1. "The temperature dropped markedly overnight." (News report/Weather forecast)

Examples across different mediums:

• Book: "He bore the mark of Cain." (Literature - Biblical allusion)

• Newspaper: "The stock market experienced a marked decline yesterday." (Financial news)

• Online Publication: "This new study marks a turning point in our understanding of the disease." (Scientific article online)

• Entertainment (Film): "He’s left his mark on the world of cinema." (Film review/biography)

• Entertainment (Video Games): "Complete the level to mark your progress." (Gaming context)

• General Public Discourse: "Let's mark this occasion with a celebration." (Social event)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Mark

1. "The ultimate mark of a moral society is the kind of men it produces." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

2. "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." (Mahatma Gandhi - While not using "mark" directly, "change" can be seen as leaving one's mark.)

3. "The true mark of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." (Albert Einstein)

4. "Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try." (Author Unknown - This quote, while not using "mark," relates to the idea of setting a mark or goal.)

5. “Make your mark, but make sure it’s worth remembering.” — Original

6. "The mark of a mature man is that he wants the right thing more than he wants anything else." (C.S. Lewis)

7. “Even missed marks teach you how to aim better next time.” — Original

8. “The mark of maturity is choosing peace when chaos is easier.” — Original

9. “Everyone wants to leave a mark, but few want to carry one.” — Original

10. “He tried to erase her, but she had already carved her name into the silence.” — Original (inspired by the idea of being someone’s ‘mark’ emotionally)

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Etymology

Let's break down the etymology of "mark" in a way that's easy to understand.

The word "mark" has a long history, going all the way back to the Proto-Germanic word "*markaną," which meant "to mark, designate, or set a boundary." Think of it like carving a notch in a tree to show where your property line is – that's the core idea.

This Proto-Germanic word then evolved into various forms in different Germanic languages. In Old English, it became "mearc," which had similar meanings to the original, including "boundary, limit, sign, or trace." So, even back then, the word was associated with boundaries, signs, and visible traces.

The first recorded use of "mark" in English (in its written form) dates back to around the 9th century. In those early days, it was primarily used to refer to boundary markers, like physical objects that defined land ownership. Over time, the meaning broadened. It still kept the idea of a visible sign or trace, but it also started to be used for things like written symbols, scores, and even targets.

So, in essence, the word "mark" originally referred to a physical boundary marker. From there, it expanded to include any kind of visible sign, trace, or indication. It's a word that has kept its core meaning of "something that shows or designates something else" while evolving to encompass a wide range of applications.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Mark

Common/Established Phrases and Idioms:

• Mark my words: Pay close attention to what I'm saying; this will happen.

• Leave a mark: To have a lasting impact or influence.

• Make your mark: To become successful or famous; to achieve something noteworthy.

• On your mark, get set, go!: The starting call in a race.

• Beside the mark: Missing the target; not relevant or appropriate.

• Hit the mark: To achieve the desired result; to be accurate.

Less Common/Figurative Phrases:

• A mark of distinction: A sign of excellence or superiority.

• Marked improvement: A noticeable or significant improvement.

• Mark time: To wait or pause; to make no progress. (Often used in a military context)

• Marked down: Reduced in price.

• Mark up: Increased in price.

Related Idioms (using synonyms or related concepts):

• Make a difference: To have a positive impact. (Similar to "leave a mark")

• Leave a legacy: To leave behind a lasting impact or memory. (Similar to "leave a mark")

• Set the standard: To establish a high level of performance or quality. (Related to "making your mark")

• Achieve one's goal: To successfully reach a target. (Related to "hit the mark")

• Miss the point: To misunderstand the main idea. (Similar to "beside the mark")

• Touch a nerve: To bring up a sensitive issue. (Related to "leave a mark," but in a negative way)

Why "mark" isn't idiom-heavy: "Mark" often functions as a very direct, literal verb or noun. It describes a physical action or a concrete thing. Idioms, by nature, tend to be more figurative and abstract. While "mark" can be used figuratively, it doesn't lend itself as easily to the kind of metaphorical twists and turns that create rich idioms. This is why we see more literal phrases and why supplementing with related concepts is helpful.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of mark from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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