Punctated

The past participle of the verb 'punctuate,' meaning to interrupt or break the continuity of something, often with distinct intervals or marks. It can refer to literal instances like adding punctuation marks to writing, or more abstract applications like the interruption of silence or monotony. Punctuation, in this context, serves to emphasize, clarify, or separate elements within a larger whole. The timing and nature of these interruptions define how the whole is perceived.

Punctated meaning with examples

• Her speech was punctated by nervous coughs, revealing her unease as she faced the large crowd. Each cough, though unintentional, added a layer of vulnerability to her presentation. This made the audience more empathetic and made them feel as though they were invested in the conversation.
• The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock punctated the otherwise silent room, creating a sense of impending time that hung heavy in the air. These ticks were the soundtrack that was the anticipation of her arrival to share the most important news of her life.
• The argument was punctated by sharp accusations and raised voices, creating a tense and fractured atmosphere. These punctuated moments broke the calm, and caused a ripple of anger amongst the listeners that caused an otherwise calm group of people to be up in arms.
• The composer used a sudden silence to punctate the climax of the symphony, heightening the dramatic effect on the crowd. His use of these silent pauses enhanced the drama, bringing the experience for the listeners to a new height.
• Throughout the story, dramatic events punctated the otherwise mundane routine of the protagonist's life, changing the trajectory of the plot, and raising the level of the reader's curiosity to what would come next.