section mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Technical / Formal / Legal
Quick answer
What does “section mark” mean?
The typographical character '§', used primarily to refer to a particular numbered section of a legal document, statute, or other formal text.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The typographical character '§', used primarily to refer to a particular numbered section of a legal document, statute, or other formal text.
A character used as a reference mark in footnotes or as a division marker in any long, structured document. It can also symbolise the concept of legal partitioning or textual division.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in American English due to extensive use in the U.S. legal system and the Bluebook citation style. In British legal contexts, the word 'section' (abbreviated as 's.' or 'sec.') is often used in text instead of the symbol.
Connotations
Strongly associated with bureaucracy, law, and complex regulations in both varieties. May carry a negative connotation of pedantry or excessive legalism.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American legal, academic, and governmental writing. In British English, it is recognisable but less commonly employed in everyday professional writing outside specific legal or publishing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “section mark” in a Sentence
The statute [VERB] [SECTION MARK + NUMBER] (e.g., violates § 14.2)Please [VERB] to [SECTION MARK + NUMBER] (e.g., refer to § 5)As outlined in [SECTION MARK + NUMBER]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “section mark” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The drafter will section-mark the relevant clauses.
- The document needs to be properly section-marked for cross-referencing.
American English
- The associate was asked to section-mark the new statute for the brief.
- The code is densely section-marked for precision.
adverb
British English
- The amendments were listed section-mark by section-mark.
- The document is organised section-mark clearly.
American English
- The law is referenced section-mark precisely in the filing.
- He argued the case section-mark thoroughly.
adjective
British English
- The section-mark reference was unclear.
- We need a section-mark analysis of the contract.
American English
- The section-mark citation is mandatory in this jurisdiction.
- Follow the section-mark numbering system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contractual or regulatory compliance documents. 'The liability clause is defined in § 8.3 of the agreement.'
Academic
Common in legal, historical, and philosophical papers citing statutes or structured codes. 'This principle is codified in the Civil Code, § 823.'
Everyday
Virtually non-existent. An everyday speaker would say 'see section 5'.
Technical
Standard in legal drafting, patent writing, and complex technical standards. 'The interface must comply with ISO 9241, § 10.4.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “section mark”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “section mark”
- Using 'section mark' to mean a highlighter pen mark on a page.
- Pronouncing the symbol as 'hash' (#) or 'percent' (%).
- Writing 'in section mark 5' instead of 'in § 5' or 'under § 5'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A section mark (§) typically denotes a numbered section within a legal code or lengthy document. A paragraph mark (¶), or pilcrow, traditionally marks the start of a new paragraph or is used in legal citation to refer to a specific paragraph within a section.
On Windows: Hold Alt and type 0167 on the numeric keypad. On Mac: Press Option+6. In Microsoft Word, you can also insert it via Insert > Symbol.
Neither is standard. When reading text aloud, you say 'section five' or 'section symbol five'. In writing, you use the symbol with the number: '§ 5'. Redundantly saying 'section mark §5' is incorrect.
Yes, but rarely. It can be found in academic writing (especially in philosophy or history citing laws), in complex technical standards, and sometimes in footnotes as a reference mark, though the asterisk (*) or dagger (†) are more common for footnotes.
The typographical character '§', used primarily to refer to a particular numbered section of a legal document, statute, or other formal text.
Section mark is usually technical / formal / legal in register.
Section mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃ(ə)n ˌmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃ(ə)n ˌmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all in § 9 (meaning the crucial rule or detail is found in a specific section)”
- “Not worth the paper it's written on, § notwithstanding (a cynical comment on legal documents).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the symbol § as a stylised 'S' for 'Section', cutting a document into two segments.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A DIVIDED TERRAIN (The section mark is a map reference point in the landscape of legal text).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'section mark' MOST appropriately used?