What this suffix does
-mark forms compounds naming marks or reference points: hallmark, benchmark, landmark, trademark.
ESEN
Suffix · forms nouns
-mark
Forms compounds naming marks, signs, or reference points: hallmark, benchmark, landmark, trademark, earmark, watermark.
In Spanish: marca / sello / referenciaIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
How it is formed
Noun + mark.
- bench + markbenchmark
- land + marklandmark
- trade + marktrademark
This is not a productive rule you can apply freely: it is a closed set of fixed expressions. Learn them one by one as set phrases.
How it is pronounced
-mark/mɑːrk/ · sounds like "mark"
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -mark
In a phrase
- hallhallmarkGood customer service is a hallmark of this company.
- benchbenchmarkThe test results will be the benchmark for future students.
- landlandmarkThe Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
- tradetrademarkThe logo is a registered trademark of the company.
- earearmarkThe city earmarked funds for a new park.
- waterwatermarkThe document has a watermark to prevent copying.
Common mistakes
set a benchmark of quality
set a benchmark for quality
"Benchmark" takes the preposition "for": "a benchmark for performance," "a new benchmark for the industry."
it is a trademark of her
it is her trademark / a trademark of hers
"Trademark" as an adjective does not take "of her": "her trademark smile," "his trademark wit." As a noun: "it is his trademark" or "a trademark of his."
A trick to remember it
"Mark" = mark, literal. Picture a physical mark left on something: bench-MARK = the mark on a reference bench used for comparison. land-MARK = a mark on the landscape that helps you find your way.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court." What does "landmark" mean here?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -mark mean in English?
The suffix -mark forms compounds naming marks, signs, or reference points: hallmark, benchmark, landmark, trademark, earmark, watermark. In Spanish it usually maps to marca / sello / referencia.
How do you pronounce -mark?
The ending -mark is pronounced /mɑːrk/ · sounds like "mark". For example, "hallmark".
Can you give an example of a word with -mark?
"hall" becomes "hallmark". It is a typical example of the -mark suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-craft
Forms compounds naming a specialized skill, art, or type of vehicle: aircraft, spacecraft, witchcraft, stagecraft, statecraft, wordcraft.
-stone
Forms compounds naming types of stone, places, or concepts involving permanence and foundation: milestone, cornerstone, tombstone, keystone, limestone.
-wright
From Old English "wryhta" (worker, maker): forms nouns for skilled craftsmen and makers. Playwright, wheelwright, shipwright, wainwright, millwright.
Learn every English suffix
-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.