The correct spelling of the word "quotation mark" is /kwəʊˈteɪʃən mɑːk/. The first syllable "qu" sounds like "kw" and is followed by "o" and "t" with a schwa sound in the third syllable. The emphasis is on "ta" and "mark" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. Quotation marks are used in writing to indicate speech or a quote from another piece of work. Accurate spelling is important in communication to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
A quotation mark, also known as a quote mark, is a punctuation symbol used in writing to indicate the beginning and end of a direct quotation or a title.
Quotation marks are commonly represented by two identical symbols, such as " or ', that are placed at the beginning and end of a quoted text or title to set it apart from the rest of the written content. These marks serve as visual cues to show that the enclosed words are being directly attributed or referenced to another person or source. Generally, the opening quotation mark appears at the start of the quoted content, while the closing quotation mark marks the end.
Quotation marks not only indicate direct quotations but also emphasize titles of short works, such as articles, essays, poems, or chapters within longer works, like books or anthologies. By enclosing these titles within quotation marks, it distinguishes them from the main text and helps identify them as distinct entities.
Additionally, quotation marks can also be used to signal irony, skepticism, or to highlight specific terminology or jargon. In such cases, the words enclosed within the quotation marks may not necessarily be a direct quote, but rather used as a stylistic device to draw attention or provide emphasis.
Overall, quotation marks act as important visual signifiers in writing, contributing to clarity, attribution, and enhancing the overall structure and readability of text by properly demarcating direct quotes, titles, and other special uses.
The word "quotation mark" has a straightforward etymology.
The noun "quotation" dates back to the late 16th century and comes from the verb "quote" which is derived from the Latin word "quotare", meaning "to number" or "to count". Originally, "quotation" referred specifically to a passage or expression that was cited or reproduced from another source.
The term "mark" refers to a visible symbol or character used for various purposes. In this context, it refers to a specific punctuation mark.
Therefore, the composite term "quotation mark" simply refers to the punctuation marks used to indicate a quotation or a direct speech. They are called quotation "marks" because they mark the beginning and end of a quoted text passage.