Remarkable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈmɑː.kə.bl̩/

Definitions

Worthy of attention or notice because of being unusual, extraordinary, or impressive in some way
Deserving of being noticed due to its impressive, extraordinary, or unusual qualities
Noteworthy for its extraordinary, impressive, or distinctive nature that captures attention

Etymology: The adjective emerged in English during the late 16th to early 17th century, built upon the verb "remark," which itself means "to notice or observe." This verb traces back to the Old French "remarquer," combining the prefix "re-" (again) with "marquer" (to mark or note). The French word derived from Latin roots, with "marcare," meaning “to mark,” which comes from the Germanic influence on Latin, hinting at the act of making a visible sign or note. Originally, the verb implied the act of marking something again or taking special note of it, and the adjective form naturally extended this sense to describe anything worthy of such attention. Thus, the word conveyed the idea of something notable or worthy of being marked out from the ordinary. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass anything striking, extraordinary, or worthy of being remembered. The prefix "re-" in this context does not suggest repetition as strongly as it does in other English words but acts more to reinforce the intensity of the action—marking distinctly or importantly. The suffix "-able" turns the verb into an adjective, indicating something capable of being remarked upon or noticed. By the 17th century, the word was well established in English literary and everyday use to highlight exceptional qualities or events, a sense that remains today. The evolution from a literal act of marking to the more abstract sense of notable distinction illustrates a common pattern in English where physical actions become metaphors for judgment or evaluation.

Synonyms: extraordinary, notable, unusual, significant, impressive

Antonyms: ordinary, unremarkable, insignificant, common, mundane