Definition

A punctuation mark that looks like a dot above a comma, used to link closely related ideas in a sentence or to separate items in a complex list.

Example

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

Conversation

Do you remember learning about the semicolon in school?

Yeah, it was a bit confusing at first!

I didn’t understand why we needed it instead of just a period or a comma.

Right? But it really helps connect related ideas in a sentence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Semicolon → It is formed from "semi-" (meaning half) and "colon" (from Greek "kolon", meaning a part or segment). The word "semicolon" refers to a punctuation mark that is half the strength of a full stop, indicating a pause that is longer than a comma but shorter than a period.

Memory Tip

Think of 'semi-' meaning half and 'colon' as a part — a semicolon is a punctuation mark that represents a pause that is halfway between a comma and a period.

Visually Confused Words