Definition

1. Noun:

   • A visible impression, spot, or trace on a surface: A mark is a small area on a surface that is different, such as a line, scratch, or stain.
   • A symbol, sign, or written character: A mark can be a written or printed symbol used for identification, punctuation, or as a sign.
   • A point or level indicating quality or achievement: A mark is a number or letter given to indicate the standard of a student's work or performance.
   • A target or goal: A mark is something aimed at or a desired result.
   • A distinguishing feature or characteristic: A mark can be a noticeable quality or trait that identifies someone or something.
   • A unit of currency: The Mark was formerly the basic unit of money in Germany.

2. Verb:

   • To make a visible impression or trace on a surface: To mark something is to put a line, spot, or other visible sign on it.
   • To indicate or designate: To mark something is to show its position, identity, or a particular quality.
   • To assign a grade or score: To mark work is to evaluate it and give it a grade.
   • To notice or pay attention to: To mark something is to observe it carefully.
   • To be a distinguishing feature of: To mark something is to be a characteristic or typical sign of it.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • There was a dirty mark on the white wall. (A visible spot)
  • Put a mark in the box to indicate your choice. (A written symbol)
  • She got top marks in her exams. (Scores indicating quality)
  • His success in the competition was a mark of his dedication. (A sign or indication)
  • The arrow hit the mark. (The target)

• Verb:

  • Please do not mark the library books. (Make a visible impression)
  • The cross on the map marks the location of the treasure. (Indicates or designates)
  • The teacher will mark the tests this weekend. (Assign grades)
  • Mark my words, he will regret this decision. (Notice or pay attention to)
  • His leadership marks him as a future CEO. (Is a distinguishing feature of)

Advanced Usage

• "to make one's mark": to become successful and well-known.
  • She made her mark in the field of medical research.
• "to be up to the mark": to meet the required standard.
  • His recent work hasn't been up to the mark.
• "a man/woman of mark": a person of importance or distinction.
  • The conference was attended by several men of mark from the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Marker (n): An object used to make a mark; a sign or indicator.
  • She used a red marker to highlight the text.
• Marked (adj): Noticeable, evident, or having marks.
  • There was a marked improvement in his health.
• Remark (v/n): To say or comment; a spoken or written comment.
  • He remarked on the beautiful weather.
• Trademark (n): A legally registered symbol, word, or phrase representing a company or product. (Listed as a related compound word)
  • The swoosh logo is a registered trademark of Nike.

Synonyms

• Noun: Sign, symbol, stain, spot, grade, score, target, indication.
• Verb: Indicate, label, stain, score, grade, notice, distinguish.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Mark down: To reduce the price of something; to write something down.
  • The store marked down all winter coats.
  • I marked down the important points from the lecture.
• Mark off: To separate an area with a line or boundary; to check items on a list.
  • Police marked off the crime scene with tape.
  • He marked off each task as he completed it.
• Mark out: To draw lines to show the boundaries of something; to show someone has a particular quality for a future role.
  • They marked out the football pitch.
  • His dedication marked him out for promotion.
• Mark up: To increase the price of something; to add written notes or corrections to a text.
  • Retailers mark up the price of goods to make a profit.
  • The editor marked up the manuscript with suggested changes.

Related Idioms

• Hit the mark: To be correct or successful.
  • Your analysis of the problem really hit the mark.
• Miss the mark: To fail to be correct or successful.
  • The new product missed the mark with its target audience.
• Mark time: To make no progress while waiting for something to happen.
  • The project is just marking time until we get approval.
• On your marks (get set, go!): A command used to start a race, meaning "get into position."
  • The runners lined up. "On your marks, get set, go!"

Noun

1. something that exactly succeeds in achieving its goal
   • the new advertising campaign was a bell ringer
   • scored a bull's eye
   • hit the mark
   • the president's speech was a home run
2. a marking that consists of lines that cross each other
3. an indication of damage
4. the shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament
5. a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
   • he showed signs of strain
   • they welcomed the signs of spring
6. a written or printed symbol (as for punctuation)
   • his answer was just a punctuation mark
7. a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
8. Apostle and companion of Saint Peter; assumed to be the author of the second Gospel
9. formerly the basic unit of money in Germany
10. a symbol of disgrace or infamy
    • And the Lord set a mark upon Cain--Genesis
11. the impression created by doing something unusual or extraordinary that people notice and remember
    • it was in London that he made his mark
    • he left an indelible mark on the American theater
12. a visible indication made on a surface
    • some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks
    • paw prints were everywhere
13. a reference point to shoot at
    • his arrow hit the mark
14. a distinguishing symbol
    • the owner's mark was on all the sheep
15. a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
    • she made good marks in algebra
    • grade A milk
    • what was your score on your homework?

Verb

1. insert punctuation marks into
2. assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation
   • grade tests
   • score the SAT essays
   • mark homework
3. put a check mark on or near or next to
   • Please check each name on the list
   • tick off the items
   • mark off the units
4. remove from a list
   • Cross the name of the dead person off the list
5. make underscoring marks
6. establish as the highest level or best performance
   • set a record
7. make small marks into the surface of
   • score the clay before firing it
8. mark with a scar
   • The skin disease scarred his face permanently
9. notice or perceive
   • She noted that someone was following her
   • mark my words
10. to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
    • He denounced the government action
    • She was stigmatized by society because she had a child out of wedlock
11. make or leave a mark on
    • the scouts marked the trail
    • ash marked the believers' foreheads
12. mark by some ceremony or observation
    • The citizens mark the anniversary of the revolution with a march and a parade
13. be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
    • His modesty distinguishes him from his peers
14. designate as if by a mark
    • This sign marks the border
15. attach a tag or label to
    • label these bottles