What does mention mean?
Mention refers to bringing a person, thing, topic, or achievement briefly into speech or writing. As a noun, a mention is a reference or acknowledgment, as in a report that makes only a passing mention of a proposal, or an award given as a special mention. As a verb, mention means to refer to or name something briefly, and it can also mean to acknowledge someone's contribution. The word is widely used in formal and informal English and is often associated with brevity: a mention may provide recognition without lengthy discussion. In professional, academic, and public contexts, mentioning someone's work can be a way of giving credit, while in conversation it can introduce information that the speaker considers relevant. The term is also common in expressions such as “worthy of mention” and “make no mention of,” and it is useful when the speaker wants to acknowledge a person or topic without developing the subject in detail.
A brief reference to or acknowledgment of a person, thing, topic, or achievement.
"The article contains a passing mention of the museum's restoration."
Common in both spoken and written English; “special mention” commonly means formal recognition of an achievement.
To refer to or name someone or something briefly, or to acknowledge someone's contribution.
"He mentioned the proposal in his opening statement."
Often neutral and direct; the verb can introduce a topic, cite a source, or give public credit.
The plural is used for separate brief references or acknowledgments.
"The report contains several mentions of the new research."
From the Latin for “to remain,” mention originally meant to call someone out or distinguish them, before developing into the idea of a brief reference.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mention come from?
Mention comes through Old French from Latin mentio, a noun meaning “a call, reference, or reminder,” derived from the Latin root manere, “to remain.” The same root underlies words such as maintain, remain, permanent, and mansion. In English, mention developed from the idea of referring to or calling attention to someone or something, and its modern sense includes both a brief reference and an acknowledgment.
Related word forms
How mention is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in both formal and informal contexts. “Make a mention of” is especially frequent in written and formal usage, while “mention” as a verb is often used for a brief acknowledgment or acknowledgment of a person's work.