Period Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpɪrɪəd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A point or mark indicating a full stop, used to separate items or parts of a sentence, or to signal the end of a sentence or a piece of writing.

Examples

• The writer brought the story to a close with a period.
• The mathematician used a period to separate the numerator and denominator.

Synonyms

• Full stop
• Punctuation mark

Antonyms

• Comma
• Colon

Additional Information

The period is a fundamental element of language, used to provide clarity and structure to written and spoken communication. In mathematics, it is often used to represent a ratio or a proportion. In physics, a period is a measure of time interval between two events.

In addition to its use in language and mathematics, the period has cultural and literary significance. For instance, the period at the end of a sentence can be used to convey a sense of finality or completion. In music, a period can refer to a measure of time or a rhythmic pattern.

Etymology

The word “period” comes from the Latin word “periodus,” meaning “a circuit or boundary.” This Latin word is derived from the Greek word “períodos,” meaning “a going around or a boundary.” The concept of a period has been used in various fields, including language, mathematics, and physics, to convey a sense of measure, boundary, or completion.

Usage Notes

In general, the period is used to separate items or parts of a sentence, or to signal the end of a sentence or a piece of writing. In mathematics, it is often used to represent a ratio or a proportion. In physics, a period is a measure of time interval between two events.

In formal writing, such as academic papers or technical documents, it is generally recommended to use a period to separate items or parts of a sentence. In informal writing, such as personal letters or social media posts, the use of the period can be more flexible.

Cultural References

The period has been featured in various cultural references, such as literature, music, and film. For example, the period at the end of a sentence can be used to convey a sense of finality or completion.

In music, a period can refer to a measure of time or a rhythmic pattern. In film and literature, the period can be used to convey a sense of time or pacing.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Full stop
• Punctuation mark

Related Words or Phrases

• Comma
• Colon
• Pause

Collocations

• A period of silence
• A period of time
• A period of rest

Frequency of Use

The period is a fundamental element of language, used frequently in written and spoken communication. It is often used to separate items or parts of a sentence, or to signal the end of a sentence or a piece of writing.

Common Misspellings

The most common misspellings of the word “period” are:

• pered
• paired
• peredic