apostrophe
[/əˈpɑːstrəfi/]
nounfemininepl: apostrophes
apóstrofo
1. A punctuation mark (') used to indicate the omission of letters or numbers, or to show possession
The word 'don't' contains an apostrophe to show the omission of 'o'.
A palavra 'não' contém um apóstrofo para indicar a omissão de uma letra.
2. A rhetorical device in which a speaker directly addresses an absent person, an abstract concept, or an inanimate object
In Shakespeare's play, the character uses apostrophe when saying 'O Death, where is thy sting?'
Na peça de Shakespeare, o personagem usa apóstrofo ao dizer 'Ó Morte, onde está teu aguilhão?'
In Brazil and Portugal, the apostrophe is primarily taught as a grammatical punctuation mark in schools. The rhetorical device meaning is more commonly encountered in literature and academic contexts. The 'greengrocer's apostrophe' phenomenon (using apostrophes incorrectly in plurals) occurs in Portuguese as well, though less commonly than in English.
Related Idioms & Phrases
apostrophe abuse - misuse of apostrophes in writing
greengrocer's apostrophe - incorrect use of apostrophes in plural nouns
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