Definition

1. Verb:
   • To mark or write with red ink: The primary meaning is the act of applying red ink to a document, often for the purpose of indicating corrections, annotations, or specific areas of attention.

Usage

• The verb "red-ink" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing being marked).
• It is often used in administrative, editorial, or instructional contexts where visual highlighting is necessary.
• Example:

Examples

• Verb:
  • Please red-ink any figures that need to be reviewed by the manager.
  • The editor red-inked the manuscript with suggested changes.
  • As per the procedure, you must red-ink the area that is restricted.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use for Financial Loss: While the primary definition is literal, the term is closely associated with the idiom "in the red," meaning operating at a financial loss. The verb "red-ink" can sometimes be used figuratively in business contexts to mean recording a loss.
  • The company was forced to red-ink its quarterly results.

Variants and Related Words

• Red ink (noun phrase): The physical ink itself or, figuratively, a financial deficit.

  • The contract was signed in red ink. (literal)
  • The project is drowning in red ink. (figurative, meaning it is losing money)

• Red-pencil (verb): A similar verb meaning to edit, censor, or correct, often with a connotation of cutting content.

Synonyms

• Annotate (in red): To add explanatory notes.
• Mark up: To correct or annotate a text.
• Highlight (with red): To emphasize.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• In the red: Operating at a loss, showing a deficit.
  • After the failed product launch, the division was in the red for the year.
• See red: To become very angry.
  • He saw red when he discovered the mistake. (Note: This idiom is related only by the color, not the act of marking.)

Verb

1. mark with red ink
   • red-ink the area that is restricted