Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To indicate or designate a boundary or limit: To physically or conceptually separate one area, item, or group from another by creating a line or distinction. 2. To put a check mark (✓) next to an item on a list to indicate it has been dealt with: To note completion or selection.

Usage

The verb "mark off" is used to describe the action of separating or designating something, either physically by creating boundaries or figuratively by ticking items on a list. It often implies a clear, deliberate action of division or notation.

Examples

• Indicating a boundary:

  • The police marked off the crime scene with yellow tape.
  • We used cones to mark off the parking area for the event.
  • The treaty marked off the new borders between the two countries.

• Putting a check mark:

  • Please mark off the tasks you have completed.
  • She marked off each name on the guest list as people arrived.
  • I like to mark off the days on my calendar until my vacation.

Advanced Usage

• "To mark off from": To distinguish or set apart one thing from others, often highlighting a difference.
  • His unique talent marks him off from the other candidates.
  • This characteristic marks the species off from its closest relatives.

Variants and Related Words

• Mark out (verb): Very similar to "mark off" in the sense of designating boundaries or limits. ()
• Tick off (verb, BrE): A common synonym for the "check mark" meaning of "mark off". ()
• Check off (verb): Another direct synonym for the "check mark" meaning. ()
• Demarcate (verb): A more formal synonym for setting boundaries. ()

Synonyms

• Delimit: To fix or define the limits of something.
• Designate: To choose someone or something for a specific purpose or title.
• Separate: To cause to move or be apart.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Mark down: To reduce the price of something; or to write something down.
• Mark up: To increase the price of something; or to annotate a text.

Related Idioms

• To mark the spot: To indicate a specific location. ()
• Off the mark: Inaccurate or incorrect. ()

Verb

1. 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
2. set boundaries to and delimit
   • mark out the territory