GUILLEMET Meaning and
Definition
-
Guillemet is a term originating from the French language that refers to a type of punctuation mark used in writing, particularly in languages such as French, Italian, and others. These marks take the form of double angle quotation marks (« and »), which are commonly used to enclose or indicate quoted text within a sentence.
The guillemets serve a similar purpose to the English quotation marks (""), but with a more specific and distinct design. They are often used to differentiate between quoted material and the rest of the text, enhancing readability and clarity. Guillemets typically appear at the beginning and end of the quoted portion, creating a visual distinction for easier identification by the reader.
The term "guillemet" itself comes from the French word "guille," meaning a comma-shaped ornament, and "met," denoting a diminutive form. This etymology hints at their historical use as decorative elements in old French manuscripts.
Despite being more commonly used in certain languages, guillemets have gained recognition and acceptance in other contexts and writing styles, including legal documents, scholarly works, and certain typographic designs. They are especially prevalent in typesetting and publishing, where the use of guillemets can contribute to the overall visual presentation and typographical flow of a text.
In summary, guillemets are a specific type of punctuation marks, resembling double angle quotation marks, used to enclose quoted material in various languages, especially French.
Common Misspellings for GUILLEMET
Etymology of GUILLEMET
The word "guillemet" has its origins in the French language. It is derived from the name "Guillaume" (the French form of "William"), which was a common given name in France. In the 16th century, Parisian printers used to use the quotation marks as a form of reference and to highlight certain passages. These quotation marks were later named "guillemets", presumably after a person named Guillaume or "William" who was involved with the development of printing or typography. The use of guillemets gradually spread throughout the French language and became the standard term for quotation marks. Today, the word "guillemet" is used in French-speaking countries to refer to quotation marks.
