Remark

From Awe

The verb 'to remark' has two slightly different meanings. (Cf. 'observe', which is a different word using the same extension of meaning. However, where the more common meaning of remark nowadays is the first of those listed below, with observe it is the equivalent of the second meaning that appears the more often.)

• 'To remark' may mean 'to comment or to express an opinion briefly or casually'.

When 'to remark' is used in this sense, it may take one of three constructions. It may be intransitive, i.e., it does not have a Direct Object - "You're looking rather pale today", he remarked. Or it may be followed by the preposition 'on' - He remarked on her paleness. Or it may be followed by a 'that'-clause - He remarked that she was looking rather pale.

• However, 'to remark' may also mean 'to notice or observe - without saying anything'.

When 'to remark' is used in this sense, it may take either of two constructions. It may be followed by a noun - When she came out of the building, she remarked the man lurking in the shadows. Or it may be followed by a 'that'-clause - When she came out of the building, she remarked that there was a man lurking in the shadows.

• Nowadays 'to remark' is used much more often in the first sense than in the second.

• 'Remark' may also be a noun. A remark is a comment or opinion casually or briefly expressed - as in "She was offended by your remark". Some older academic writing, possibly like older academics, uses remarks as the title of some kinds of comments, such as the philosopher John Stuart Mill's Remarks On Bentham's Philosophy. It is occasionally used as the name of a form of feedback on the work of others.