Words / B2

HORLM-ahk/ˈhɔːlmɑːk/

A hallmark is a typical quality, or the official stamp on gold or silver: a hallmark of good research; a silver hallmark. Sign and feature are looser. Anonymous marking as a hallmark of fairness. Do not call a one-off event a hallmark.

Meaning

A typical quality; also an official mark on gold or silver.

Examples

• “Anonymous marking is a hallmark of the board’s fairness policy.”
• “The assay office hallmark was worn but readable, which is the metal sense.”

Good to know

a hallmark of; bear the hallmark of. Metals: a hallmark. Looser: sign / feature. Policy and antiques. Typical quality, not a logo on a hoodie.

Near in meaning

sign

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