point
point
Pronunciation
/pɔɪnt/.
point:
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive
/ɔɪ/ - diphthong (as in "boy")
/n/ - alveolar nasal
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: point
Plural: points
Verb:
Base form (Infinitive): point
Third-person singular present: points (e.g., "He points to the map.")
Present participle: pointing (e.g., "She is pointing out the error.")
Past tense: pointed (e.g., "He pointed at the sky.")
Past participle: pointed (e.g., "She has pointed out the solution.")
Adjective (derived from the verb's past participle):
pointed: This adjective describes something that has a sharp end (e.g., "a pointed roof") or comments/remarks that are direct and often critical (e.g., "pointed criticism").
pointy (informal, often used for things with a noticeable point, like "pointy ears")
Adverb (derived from the adjective):
pointedly: This adverb describes an action done in a way that is clearly intended to show what you mean, often with a hint of criticism or emphasis (e.g., "She yawned pointedly to show her boredom")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A specific location or position: A precise place in space or time, often indicating a transition or a fixed position.
Synonyms: spot, place, location, position, juncture, moment
Antonyms: expanse, area, region (when referring to a general, non-specific location)
The sharp or tapered end of an object: The very tip or extremity of something that is designed to pierce, mark, or come to a fine conclusion.
Synonyms: tip, apex, peak, end, nib, prong, spike
Antonyms: base, blunt end, broadside
The main idea, purpose, or essence: The central meaning, objective, or significance of something, often referring to an argument, story, or discussion.
Synonyms: gist, essence, crux, core, purpose, objective, meaning, moral
Antonyms: irrelevance, triviality, periphery, tangent, meaningless
A unit of scoring or value: A mark, credit, or increment awarded in a game, competition, or system to indicate progress or achievement.
Synonyms: score, tally, mark, unit, credit, value
Antonyms: penalty, deduction, demerit
A distinguishing characteristic or detail: A particular feature, attribute, or aspect that is notable or significant.
Synonyms: feature, attribute, characteristic, detail, aspect, quality
Antonyms: generality, overview, whole
Verb
To direct attention or indicate a direction: To extend a finger, object, or body part towards something to show its position or to draw notice to it.
Synonyms: indicate, show, direct, gesture, signal, aim, designate
Antonyms: conceal, hide, obscure, mislead, divert
To give force, emphasis, or clarity to something: To highlight or elaborate on a particular aspect to make it more impactful or understandable.
Synonyms: emphasize, highlight, stress, underscore, accentuate, clarify, detail
Antonyms: downplay, diminish, obscure, confuse, generalize
To refer to or suggest something: To imply or signify a particular idea, fact, or outcome.
Synonyms: imply, suggest, signify, indicate, allude, hint at, denote
Antonyms: contradict, negate, refute, disclaim
To sharpen or bring to a tip: To make the end of an object fine or sharp.
Synonyms: sharpen, taper, hone, file
Antonyms: blunt, dull, round off
Adjective
Having a sharp or tapered end: Describing an object that comes to a fine, sharp tip.
Synonyms: sharp, keen, acute, tapered, spiked, pointy (informal)
Antonyms: blunt, dull, rounded, flat
Direct and often critical or incisive: Referring to remarks or comments that are precisely aimed and sometimes intended to be cutting or critical.
Synonyms: incisive, trenchant, cutting, poignant, relevant, pertinent, direct
Antonyms: vague, circuitous, indirect, irrelevant, diffuse, bland
Adverb
In a direct and deliberate manner, often to emphasize or hint at something: Done with clear intention, often to draw attention to a fact or to convey a subtle message.
Synonyms: expressly, explicitly, deliberately, specifically, emphatically, pointedly
Antonyms: vaguely, implicitly, indirectly, generally, incidentally
Examples of Use
Books:
"There's a point beyond which you can't return, and we've already passed it." (Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale, 1985)
"At some point, we all have to choose between what is right and what is easy." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, July 2000)
"From a certain point of view, you could say that all life is suffering." (Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood, 1987)
Newspapers:
"The President emphasized the point that economic growth must benefit all citizens, not just a select few." (The New York Times)
"Critics point to the rising cost of living as a major concern for voters ahead of the next election." (The Guardian)
"The police investigation failed to point to a clear suspect, leaving the case unsolved." (Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"Experts point out that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events globally." (BBC News online)
"The article makes a strong point about the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace." (Psychology Today online)
"From a technical point of view, the new software offers significant improvements in data processing speed." (TechCrunch online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: (Dialogue from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, December 2001) "Gandalf: 'A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.'" Frodo: "What's your point?"
Television Series: (From a legal drama) "Your Honor, I would like to point out that the prosecution has presented no evidence to support this claim." (e.g., Suits, 2011-2019)
Video Game: (Instructional text) "Collect all five magic shards to earn bonus points." (e.g., Super Mario Bros., 1985)
Music (Song Lyrics): "You make me wanna point out the obvious, that you're the one that I need." (Song lyrics, often found in pop music)
Podcast: "The guest made an interesting point about the future of remote work during the discussion." (e.g., The Daily)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you point me in the direction of the nearest ATM?"
"I think you're missing the whole point of what I'm trying to say."
"Let's just agree to disagree; there's no point arguing about it anymore."
"He had a pointy nose, which made him easily recognizable."
"She looked at him pointedly, waiting for his explanation."
10 Quotes Using Point
"The point of power is in the present moment." (Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life, 1984)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." To which I reply, 'But at a certain point, the unlived life is not worth examining.'" (Robert Brault)
"At some point, you just have to let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening." (Unknown, widely attributed)
"That's a good point." (Often attributed to various figures in common discourse, representing agreement)
"From a certain point of view, you could say we have a victory." (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, May 1983)
"There is a point at which everything becomes so simple that there is no longer any point in continuing to try." (Jean Baudrillard)
"To err is human, to forgive, divine." And at some point, to get over it." (Unknown)
"My point is that when you're afraid to fail, you're also afraid to succeed." (Unknown, frequently cited in motivational contexts)
"What's the point of living if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?" (Unknown, often found in inspirational quotes)
"The point of life is to live. The point of art is to make you want to live." (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "point" has a fascinating history, with its origins tracing back to the idea of "pricking" or "piercing."
It comes from the Latin word "pungere," which meant "to prick" or "to pierce." From this, we get two main paths that led to our modern "point":
"Punctum" (Latin): This was the past participle of "pungere" used as a noun, meaning "a small hole made by pricking." Think of a tiny mark or a dot left by something sharp. This sense eventually became the Old French word "point," meaning "dot" or "smallest amount." This is where the idea of "point" as a small mark, a tiny spot, or even a specific moment in time came from in English. You can see its influence in words like "punctuation" or "puncture."
"Puncta" (Medieval Latin): This was another form from "pungere," which evolved into the Old French word "pointe," meaning "sharp tip" (like the tip of a weapon) or "the vanguard of an army" (the sharp, leading edge). This is where the meaning of "point" as a sharp end or a leading edge originated.
These two strands of meaning from Old French both entered Middle English around the 12th to 14th centuries, eventually merging into the single word "point" we use today, carrying all its diverse meanings.
So, the very first known uses of "point" in English, around the 13th century, would have been related to:
A minute amount or a single item: Like a tiny dot or a small part of something larger.
A sharp end: Such as the sharp tip of a sword or other object.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Point
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "point":
To the point: Direct and relevant, without unnecessary details.
Make a point: To emphasize something important; to state an argument clearly.
Beside the point: Irrelevant; not related to the main issue.
At this point: At this specific moment or stage.
Point of no return: The stage at which it is impossible to go back or change a decision.
Point of view: A particular way of thinking about or considering something; perspective.
To point fingers: To accuse someone; to blame.
Point taken: Acknowledging and understanding what someone has said.
On the point of (doing something): Just about to do something.
Case in point: An example that illustrates what is being discussed.
To be on point: To be accurate, relevant, or excellent.
A moot point: An arguable or debatable point, often one that is not important or has no practical significance.
To stretch a point: To interpret rules or facts in a way that suits one's own purposes, even if it's not entirely accurate.
What's the point?: Expressing a lack of purpose or meaning.
Point out: To draw attention to something.
Point of order: A question or comment about the rules or procedures being followed in a formal meeting.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of point from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
