punctuate
punctuate (something) with (something)
1. Literally, to mark a particular clause, sentence, paragraph, etc., with a certain kind of punctuation mark. To be honest, I would punctuate this sentence with an em-dash between the two clauses rather than a semicolon. Never punctuate a sentence with a question mark and exclamation point side by side—choose one or the other.
2. To highlight or emphasize one's speech or writing with particular linguistic flairs, such as certain words or turns of phrase, body language, rhetorical devices, etc. She always punctuates her speech with these hand gestures that have since become something of a trademark for her during the campaign. His letter was punctuated with emotional appeals to the reader.
See also: punctuate
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
punctuate something with something
1. to add a particular punctuation mark to a piece of writing. You have punctuated this ad with too many exclamation points. This letter is punctuated with dashes to emphasize the key points.
2. to add emphasis to one's speaking by adding phrases, exclamations, or other devices. Her comments were punctuated with a few choice swear words. Tom punctuated his address with a few choice comments about politicians.
See also: punctuate
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- punctuate (something) with (something)
- punctuate with
- mark off
- get off the mark
- mark my word
- mark my word(s)
- mark my words
- high-water mark
- mark (someone or something) down as (something)
- beauty mark