sign, mark, token, note, symptom mean a discernible indication of what is not itself directly perceptible.
sign applies to any indication to be perceived by the senses or the reason.
encouraging signs for the economy
mark suggests something impressed on or inherently characteristic of a thing often in contrast to general outward appearance.
a mark of a good upbringing
token applies to something that serves as a proof of something intangible.
this gift is a token of our esteem
note suggests a distinguishing mark or characteristic.
a note of irony in her writing
symptom suggests an outward indication of an internal change or condition.
rampant crime is a symptom of that city's decay
Example Sentences
Verb Any little bit of dirt will mark that fabric. Be careful not to mark the floor with your shoes. mark an accent on a letter She marked an “X” on each box. I have marked the event on my calendar. She marked each box with an “X.” X marks the spot where the suspect was last seen. Use a bookmark to mark your place. We put some tape on the floor to mark where the tables should go. The dog marked the base of the tree by urinating. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The couple is also responsible for their own food, clothing, entertainment and bedding, and though there's a resupply trip at the three-month mark, they will be otherwise cut off from the mainland during this period. Katherine Lagrave, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Jan. 2017 Texans are feeling the bite of winter this weekend with some places not even reaching the freezing mark. Brett Barrouquere, Houston Chronicle, 7 Jan. 2017 The Dow Jones industrial average traded within 1 point of the record 20,000 mark. Ana Swanson, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2017 In Lombardi’s nine seasons in Green Bay, the Packers won five NFL titles, including the first two Super Bowls, and posted an 89-29-4 mark.Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 5 Jan. 2017 This has made its mark, with only 65 percent of millennials owning such cards, compared to 83 percent of baby boomers and 78 percent of generation Xers.Houston Chronicle, 29 Dec. 2016
Verb
Fifty Years AgoChurch of the Lighted Window marked its 70th birthday on April 9, 1967. Carol Cormaci, La Cañada Valley Sun, 4 Apr. 2017 Officially, this national holiday marks the anniversary of the First Fleet of British settlers arriving in New South Wales in 1788. Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2017 The fundraising gala was the opening event for the 75th Commemoration of the Pearl Harbor attack and marked the 10th anniversary for the Pacific Aviation Museum.Honolulu Star-Advertiser - Hawaii's News Leader, 26 Dec. 2016 The first Friday of the month marks the first formal day of operation for Bar Elixrs, Chinatown’s newest watering hole. Star-advertiser Staff, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 29 Nov. 2016 But in naming Hussein crown prince early, Abdullah had hoped to avoid the confusion and anxiety in the kingdom that marked his father’s last days. Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2014 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English mearc boundary, march, sign; akin to Old High German marha boundary, Latin margo
Verb
Middle English, from Old English mearcian; akin to Old High German marcōn to mark, determine the boundaries of, Old English mearc boundary
Noun (2)
Middle English, from Old English marc, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse mǫrk mark; akin to Old English mearc sign
Noun (3)
Latin Marcus
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1