French word

ponctuer

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔ̃ktɥe/

Meaning

  • verbpunctuate

Example

N'oublie pas de ponctuer tes messages.

Don't forget to punctuate your messages.

Illustration for ponctuer (punctuate)

More examples

Il faut ponctuer un texte pour faciliter la lecture.

It is necessary to punctuate a text to make it easier to read.

Core concept

A stream of words marked with small points and pauses that give it rhythm and emphasis.

Common phrases

  • ponctuer un texte

    punctuate a text

  • ponctuer une phrase

    punctuate a sentence

  • ponctuer ses messages

    punctuate one's messages

Similar words

accentuer: Gives particular force to a part of an expression or spoken statement.
souligner: Calls attention to letters or words through underlining or strong wording.
marquer: Places a mark at a position or event to set it apart.
couper: Divides a long object or sequence by cutting it into sections.

Definition in French

Placer des signes de ponctuation à l'écrit; au sens figuré, insérer des éléments ponctuels (mots, pauses, exemples) pour souligner, rythmer ou clarifier un discours.

Word origin

French ponctuer developed through Old French from Latin punctuare, based on punctus, 'point', and extended from marking writing to shaping spoken expression.

Usage tips

  • Ponctuer commonly takes a direct object followed by de: ponctuer un discours de pauses, exemples, or anecdotes.

Other meanings

  • pepperverb

Related words

  • ponctuationpunctuationnoun
  • ponctuépunctuatedadjective
  • ponctuellementpunctuallyadverb

Word lists with this word