semi-colon

UK: ˈsɛmɪˌkəʊlən | US: ˈsɛmɪˌkoʊlən

Definition

  1. n. a punctuation mark (;) used to separate parts of a sentence that are more distinct than those separated by a comma.

Structure
semi <half>colon <colon, from Greek kōlon (limb, clause)>
Etymology

The word "semi-colon" combines "semi-" (Latin for "half") and "colon" (from Greek "kōlon," meaning "limb" or "clause"). The term reflects its function as a punctuation mark that is stronger than a comma but weaker than a full colon, effectively acting as a "half-colon." The concept emerged in the 16th century to address the need for intermediate sentence segmentation.

Examples

  1. Use a semi-colon to connect closely related independent clauses.

  2. She forgot the semi-colon in her essay, making the sentence confusing.

  3. The semi-colon is often misunderstood by novice writers.

  4. His writing style relies heavily on semi-colons for rhythmic pauses.

  5. A semi-colon can replace a conjunction like "and" or "but."