What is remark? Pronunciation and usage in English

remark means . Learn how to pronounce and use remark through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remark

remarkverb

/rɪˈmɑːk/
Definition & pronunciation of remark

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remark." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /rəˈmɑːrk/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "rə" - This sounds like "ruh" (as in "ruh-roh"). Pay attention to that quick, almost swallowed 'r' sound.

  2. "ˈmɑːrk" - This is the key part and where most people stumble.

    • "mɑːrk" - This is a lengthened "mark" sound, but with a broad "a" sound, like in "father." Think of stretching out the "a" a bit. It's approximately like the “a” in “car.”
    • ˈ - This symbol (ˈ) indicates that this syllable is stressed (meaning it's louder and longer).

Here's a simplified way to say it:

"ruh-MARK" (with the emphasis on the "MARK" part)

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r" in the first syllable. It's a quick, almost silent "r."
  • Focus on the lengthened "a" sound in the second syllable. Practice saying "father" repeatedly and then experiment with bringing it up a bit higher in your voice.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly between regions.)

Usage and examples with the word remark in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remark" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its meanings, usage, and examples:

1. Core Meaning: A Statement or Observation

At its most basic, a "remark" is simply a statement or observation, often one that's offered as a comment or thought. It’s a relatively informal way to describe a statement.

  • Example: "He made a quick remark about the weather before diving into the meeting." (This implies a brief observation.)
  • Example: "Her remark about my tie was entirely unnecessary." (This is a statement she said.)

2. Often Implies a Thoughtful or Opinionated Statement

"Remark" often carries a slightly more weight than a simple statement. It suggests that the speaker has considered something or is offering a judgment.

  • Example: “It’s a remarkable achievement to have finished the marathon.” (Here, "remarkable" suggests the achievement is noteworthy or impressive.)
  • Example: “His remark about the policy was surprisingly insightful.” (This conveys that his comment showed understanding beyond the obvious.)

3. As a Verb: To State or Observe

"Remark" can also be used as a verb, meaning to state or observe something.

  • Example: “She remarked on the beautiful sunset.” (She observed and pointed out its beauty.)
  • Example: “He remarked that he was tired.” (He stated he was tired.)

4. Formal & Slightly Old-Fashioned

It's important to note that “remark” is sometimes considered a slightly more formal word than “comment” or “observation.” You'll often encounter it in more formal writing, speeches, or when discussing serious topics. It can occasionally sound a little stiff in casual conversation.

5. Common Phrases Using “Remark”

  • “A passing remark”: A casual, often unimportant statement. “It was just a passing remark; don't take it seriously.”
  • “To make a remark”: To say something, often with a particular tone. "He made a cutting remark about her appearance."
  • “Worth remarking on…”: Something that is worthy of particular attention or discussion. “The sudden increase in sales is worth remarking on.”

Here’s a table summarizing the usage:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun A statement or observation “He offered a thoughtful remark.”
Something noteworthy “It’s a remarkable piece of art.”
Verb To state or observe “She remarked on the delicious food.”

Tips for Using “Remark” Effectively:

  • Consider your audience: Is it a formal situation? If so, "remark" can be appropriate. For casual conversation, "comment" or "observation" might be better.
  • Think about the nuance: Does your statement have a deeper meaning or a judgment? "Remark" often works well when you want to convey that.
  • Don’t overuse it. Like any word, using "remark" too frequently can make your writing or speech sound a bit stuffy.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a formal essay, a casual email, a creative story?)
  • Can you provide a sentence where you’re considering using “remark”? (So I can show you how it would fit in and suggest alternatives if needed.)

Synonyms for the word remark

Practice with vocabulary remark

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. His closing ______ about the positive market trends was met with widespread agreement from the analysts.
  2. The company issued an official ______ clarifying its position on the recent acquisition rumors.
  3. She made a critical ______ regarding the budget's feasibility, prompting a detailed review by the finance department.
  4. The board achieved a ______ decision, with all members voting in favor of the new policy proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe a brief, often informal observation or comment made in passing? A) pronouncement B) decree C) remark D) edict

  2. Which verb can be used to describe the act of saying something notable or commenting, often without much formality? A) proclaim B) assert C) remark D) dictate

  3. The CEO's final ______ was widely reported in the press, indicating a major shift in the company's long-term strategy. A) whisper B) declaration C) murmur D) utterance

  4. Which of the following implies something noteworthy or a specific observation made during a presentation that stands out? A) footnote B) anomaly C) highlight D) remark

  5. He paused, choosing his words carefully, before delivering his decisive ______ on the complex legal matter. A) conjecture B) supposition C) verdict D) speculation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: During the executive meeting, he said something that everyone found very insightful regarding the project's future. Rewrite: (Use a word form of "remark") _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The CEO will be making a special observation about the new quarter's financial outcomes.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. His closing remark about the positive market trends was met with widespread agreement from the analysts.
  2. The company issued an official statement clarifying its position on the recent acquisition rumors.
  3. She made a critical remark regarding the budget's feasibility, prompting a detailed review by the finance department.
  4. The board achieved a unanimous decision, with all members voting in favor of the new policy proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe a brief, often informal observation or comment made in passing? C) remark

  2. Which verb can be used to describe the act of saying something notable or commenting, often without much formality? C) remark

  3. The CEO's final ______ was widely reported in the press, indicating a major shift in the company's long-term strategy. B) declaration

  4. Which of the following implies something noteworthy or a specific observation made during a presentation that stands out? C) highlight, D) remark

  5. He paused, choosing his words carefully, before delivering his decisive ______ on the complex legal matter. C) verdict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: During the executive meeting, he said something that everyone found very insightful regarding the project's future. Rewrite: He made a highly insightful remark during the executive meeting regarding the project's future.

  2. Original: The team's ability to recover from such a significant setback was quite impressive. Rewrite: The team's ability to recover from such a significant setback was truly remarkable.

  3. Original: The speaker's casual comment about the fluctuating stock market drew a lot of criticism. Rewrite: The speaker's offhand observation about the fluctuating stock market drew a lot of criticism.

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