Hallmark
/ˈhɔːlmɑːrk/
nounverbB2
Definition
A hallmark is a mark or symbol placed on an object to show it is real or made with good quality. More generally, it means an important or typical feature that helps identify or describe something or someone.
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See It in Action
A mark or stamp showing quality or authenticity
- •The jeweler showed the hallmark inside the ring to prove it was real gold.
- •This watch has a hallmark that guarantees it is made by a famous brand.
- •Hallmarks on silver items show they meet quality standards.
A typical or important feature of something
- •Kindness is the hallmark of a good friend.
- •Innovation is the hallmark of this company’s success.
- •Clear writing is a hallmark of her style.
(verb) To show or be a typical feature of something
- •His work hallmarks attention to detail.
- •The movie hallmarks the director’s unique style.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hallmark" like "sign," but it is a special sign that proves something is real or very good.
- ✓Picture a gold ring with a small stamp inside that shows it is real gold.
- ✓It's the feeling of trust when you see a quality mark on a product, like a label that says "certified."
- ✓Sounds like "hall-mark" → imagine a big hall where important marks or signs are shown to prove value.
- ✓Think of a famous chef's cooking style as their hallmark — something you always recognize.
- ✓NOT like a normal "mark" (any sign), a hallmark means official, trusted, or typical.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "mark" just to write something, but to officially show or prove quality or feature.
Try Other Words
- •Stamp: a mark showing approval or origin (Use when talking about physical marks on objects)
- •Symbol: something that represents an idea or quality (Use when focusing on meaning rather than proof)
- •Feature: a typical or important part of something (Use when talking about characteristics rather than marks)
- •Trademark: a special sign used to show ownership or brand (Use when talking about brand identity)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "hall" + "mark" → originally a mark made in a hall or official place
- •Etymology: From English, from the practice of marking gold or silver in official assay halls to prove purity
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s for marks on precious metals; later extended to mean any typical feature
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical marks proving quality and for describing typical or defining features of people, products, or ideas
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of hallmarks do you look for when buying something important, like jewelry or electronics?
•Can a person’s personality have a hallmark? What features would you say are hallmarks of yourself or your friends?
Fill in the blanks
1.The jeweler checked the ___ inside the necklace to confirm it was real gold.
2.Kindness is often a ___ of a good leader, showing they care about others.
3.The artist’s paintings ___ a strong use of color and light.
4.Unlike a simple mark, a ___ shows official proof of quality or origin.
5.Many products have a ___ that guarantees they meet safety standards.
6.When a company’s name becomes a ___, it means people recognize its style easily.
7.The watch’s ___ was stamped clearly to ___ its authenticity.