mark
mark Lexical Profile
mark Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A visible impression, such as a stain, spot, or scratch, that alters or spoils the appearance of a surface.
"The hot coffee mug left a dark, circular mark on the polished wooden table."
A recognized standard of performance, or a numerical or letter grade awarded for academic achievement.
"She received top marks for her final dissertation in classical history."
A symbol, sign, or indicator used to convey specific information, identify ownership, or point out a location.
"The punctuation mark at the end of the sentence indicates that it is a question rather than a statement."
• verb
To make a visible impression, stain, or scratch on a surface.
"Be careful not to mark the freshly painted wall with the soles of your shoes."
To indicate, designate, or show the position, presence, or occurrence of something.
"A large stone monument was erected to mark the exact site of the historic battle."
To evaluate and assign a grade to educational work or examination papers.
"The professor spent the entire weekend marking the midterm essays for her literature class."
Word Nuance & Usage
In educational contexts, 'mark' is traditionally favored in British and Commonwealth English for assessing student work, whereas 'grade' is the standard equivalent in American English.
• Rhymes for mark
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'mearc' (boundary, sign, token), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'merk' and German 'Mark'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.