mark out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To set boundaries for; to delimit: To physically or conceptually establish the limits or borders of an area, space, or concept.
- To distinguish or designate as special: To single out or identify someone or something for a particular purpose or characteristic.
Usage
- The primary use of "mark out" is to describe the action of drawing lines, placing markers, or otherwise defining the edges or specific zones of a territory, field, or plot of land.
- It can also be used figuratively to indicate the process of identifying or setting someone or something apart from others based on specific qualities or for a specific role.
Examples
- Verb:
- The surveyors used stakes and tape to mark out the new building site. (They physically defined the area's boundaries.)
- Her exceptional leadership skills marked her out for promotion early in her career. (Her skills distinguished her and designated her as a candidate.)
- The rules clearly mark out what is acceptable behavior and what is not. (The rules define the limits of acceptable conduct.)
Advanced Usage
- "to mark out a course/path": To define or lay out a specific route or plan of action.
- The coach marked out a rigorous training course for the athletes.
- "to be marked out for something": To be destined or clearly suited for a particular fate or role.
- From a young age, he was marked out for greatness.
Variants and Related Words
- Demarcate (verb): To set the boundaries or limits of; to separate distinctly. A more formal synonym.
- A fence demarcates the property line.
- Delineate (verb): To describe or outline with precision.
- The contract delineates the responsibilities of each party.
Synonyms
- Delimit: To fix or define the limits of.
- Define: To state or describe the exact nature, scope, or meaning of.
- Designate: To choose someone or something for a specific purpose.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Mark off: Very similar to "mark out," often used interchangeably when referring to separating an area with lines or boundaries.
- They marked off a section of the parking lot for the event.
Related Idioms
- Mark you out from the crowd: To make you noticeably different or superior to others.
- It's your unique creativity that marks you out from the crowd.
Verb
- set boundaries to and delimit
- mark out the territory