What does remarking mean?
Remarking usually means making a brief observation or comment about a person, situation, or idea. It is the present participle and gerund of remark and commonly appears in constructions such as “remarking that” or “remarking on” something. In everyday use, the word suggests speaking or writing about something noteworthy rather than entering a detailed discussion. It can also carry the older sense of noticing or taking notice of something, though this usage is now formal or archaic. The word is useful because it captures the act of observing carefully enough to comment on what has been seen. Its relatively formal tone also makes it especially suitable for written discussion, historical description, and measured conversation.
verb (present participle and gerund)To make an observation or comment. In older or more formal usage, it can also mean to notice or take notice of someone or something.
- To make an observation or comment about something.
- To notice, observe, or take notice of someone or something.
"She remarked on the striking similarities between the two designs."
"He kept remarking that the weather was unusually warm for October."
"The professor remarked the difficulty of reaching the summit without proper equipment."
Remark began as “to mark again”; today, remarking usually means commenting, while its older sense of noticing survives in formal usage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of remarking
Remarking is derived from remark, which entered English from French in the early 17th century. French remarquer literally meant “to mark again” and was formed from the prefix re- and marquer, “to mark.” English remark developed from the idea of marking or noting something to its present meaning of commenting or observing. The related words marker, demarcate, and demarcation descend from the same Latin root marcare, meaning “to mark.”
Related word forms
How remarking is actually used
As a present participle, remarking may accompany another verb, as in “she came in remarking on the weather.” The sense meaning “to notice” is less common today and sounds formal or archaic.
Easily confused with remarking
Remarking means commenting or observing, whereas remaking means making or constructing something again.