Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mark ($) written before a number to indicate that it stands for the number of dollars: The primary meaning refers to the typographical symbol used to denote units of currency, especially the US dollar.
   • A symbol of commercialism or greed: A figurative meaning where the symbol represents the power of money, materialism, or excessive desire for wealth.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal - Currency Symbol):

  • The price was listed with a dollar mark: $50.
  • Please add the dollar mark before the amount on the invoice.

• Noun (Figurative - Symbol of Greed):

  • For him, every decision was guided by the dollar mark.
  • The artist criticized a society obsessed with the dollar mark.

Advanced Usage

• "To see the dollar mark": To perceive the potential for profit or financial gain in a situation.

  • Investors immediately saw the dollar mark in the new technology.

• "Chasing the dollar mark": Pursuing money as a primary goal.

  • He left his artistic career behind, chasing the dollar mark in corporate finance.

Variants and Related Words

• Dollar sign: A more common synonym for the literal meaning of the currency symbol.

  • The dollar sign is also used for some other currencies, like the Canadian dollar.

• Commercialism (n): An emphasis on maximizing profit, often at the expense of artistic or social value.

• Greed (n): An intense and selfish desire for wealth or material gain.

Synonyms

• Currency symbol: A general term for symbols like $, €, £.
• Money symbol: A broader term for any symbol representing wealth or currency.
• Profit motive: A phrase related to the figurative meaning, indicating the drive for financial gain.

Related Phrases

• The almighty dollar: An idiom expressing the perceived power and influence of money.

  • He worships the almighty dollar. (This is a direct use from the reference context.)

• Dollar signs in [someone's] eyes: An idiom describing someone who is visibly imagining or anticipating making a lot of money.

  • When she described the business idea, you could see dollar signs in his eyes.

Notes

• The term "dollar mark" is less common in everyday American English than "dollar sign," though both are understood. "Dollar mark" may appear in more formal or technical contexts.
• The figurative usage is inherently critical, portraying the pursuit of money in a negative light.

Noun

1. a mark ($) written before a number to indicate that it stands for the number of dollars
2. a symbol of commercialism or greed
   • he worships the almighty dollar
   • the dollar sign means little to him