full stop
/'ful'stɔp/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A punctuation mark (.): A small dot used in writing to mark the end of a declarative sentence or statement, indicating a complete thought. It is also used after many abbreviations.
- The act of stopping completely: In a broader, non-punctuation sense, it can signify a definitive end or cessation of something.
Usage and Examples
- As a punctuation mark:
- Please remember to put a full stop at the end of every sentence.
- Common abbreviations like "Dr." and "etc." require a full stop.
- To indicate a definitive end:
- After the scandal, his political career came to a full stop.
- We need to bring this project to a full stop and reassess our goals.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- In British English: The term "full stop" is the standard term for the punctuation mark (.), whereas "period" is more common in American English.
- For emphasis in speech: In informal British English, "full stop" (or often just "stop") can be used at the end of a spoken statement for emphasis, to show that there is nothing more to be said on the matter.
- I will not agree to these terms, full stop. (Meaning: I will not agree, and that is final.)
Variants and Related Words
- Period (noun): The American English equivalent for the punctuation mark.
- Dot (noun): A more general term for a small round mark, often used in computing (e.g., a dot in a web address) or informally for a full stop.
- Point (noun): Used in some contexts, such as in decimal numbers (e.g., "three point one four") or in saying website addresses aloud.
Synonyms
- Period (chiefly US): The punctuation mark.
- Stop (chiefly UK, informal): A shorter form of "full stop."
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Come to a full stop: To cease moving or progressing completely.
- The negotiations came to a full stop after the new demands were made.
- Put a full stop to something: To cause something to end definitively.
- The new evidence put a full stop to the rumours.
Noun
- a punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations
- in England they call a period a stop