Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒmə/

Definitions

• A punctuation mark (",") used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.
• A short pause or break in speech, typically represented by a slight pause in oral communication.

Usage Examples

• We bought apples, oranges, bananas, and pears from the market.
• After the movie, we went for dinner, and then we returned home.
• The committee, however, disagreed with the proposal.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "comma," meaning a "cut-off" or "piece," from the Greek "komma," meaning "a short clause or phrase." It refers to a mark used to divide written text into more manageable parts, helping to clarify meaning.

Synonyms

• Separator
• Divider
• Pause (in speech)

Antonyms

• Full stop (period)
• Exclamation mark
• Colon

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some English-speaking regions, the "comma" may be pronounced with a more clipped or elongated vowel sound depending on regional accents, but the difference is generally subtle.

Historical Usage

The comma has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times as a way to clarify meaning in written texts. Over time, it evolved into the modern punctuation mark we use today, playing a critical role in written communication.

Cultural Nuances

In some languages, the comma serves to separate parts of numbers (such as in the US: 1,000,000) while in other countries, a period is used instead (as in Europe: 1.000.000). Such variations can lead to confusion in international communication.

More Information

The comma is one of the most versatile and widely used punctuation marks in the English language, and it serves to make written text clearer by separating different elements within a sentence. Proper use of commas can change the meaning of a sentence entirely, which is why learning when and where to use them is essential for effective communication.