Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense points, present participle pointing, past tense, past participle pointed
1. countable noun
You use point to refer to something that someone has said or written.
We disagree with every point the Minister makes.
This article makes the right point about the report.
The following tale will clearly illustrate this point.
2. singular noun
If you say that someone has a point, or if you take their point, you mean that you accept that what they have said is important and should be considered.
'If he'd already killed once, surely he'd have killed Sarah?' She had a point there.
Oh I take your point, John, about that.
3. singular noun
The point of what you are saying or discussing is the most important part that provides a reason or explanation for the rest.
'Did I ask you to talk to me?'—'That's not the point.'
The American Congress and media mostly missed the point about all this.
4. singular noun
If you ask what thepointof something is, or say that there is no pointin it, you are indicating that a particular action has no purpose or would not be useful.
What was the point of thinking about him? [+ of]
There was no point in staying any longer. [+ in]
5. countable noun
A point is a detail, aspect, or quality of something or someone.
Many of the points in the report are correct.
The most interesting point about the village was its religion.
Science was never my strong point at school.
Synonyms: aspect, detail, feature, side More Synonyms of point
6. countable noun
A point is a particular place or position where something happens.
As a mark of respect the emperor met him at a point several weeks' march from thecapital.
The pain originated from a point in his right thigh.
7. singular noun [oft atNOUN]
You use point to refer to a particular time, or to a particular stage in the development of something.
We're all going to die at some point.
At one point, around 70,000 members had failed to pay.
At this point Diana arrived.
It got to the point where he had to leave.
Synonyms: moment, time, stage, period More Synonyms of point
8. countable noun
The point of something such as a pin, needle, or knife is the thin, sharp end of it.
9.
In spoken English, you use point to refer to the dot or mark in a decimal number that separates the whole numbersfrom the fractions.
Inflation at nine point four percent is the worst for eight years.
10. countable noun
In some sports, competitions, and games, a point is one of the single marks that are added together to give the total score.
They lost the 1977 World Cup final to Australia by a single point.
Chamberlain scored 50 or more points four times in the season.
11. countable noun
The points of the compass are directions such as North, South, East, and West.
Sightseers arrived from all points of the compass.
12. plural noun
On a railway track, the points are the levers and rails at a place where two tracks join or separate. The points enable a trainto move from one track to another.
[British]
...the rattle of the wheels across the points.
regional note: in AM, use switches
13. countable noun
A point is an electric socket.
[British]
...too far away from the nearest electrical point.
14. verb
If you point at a person or thing, you hold out your finger towards them in order to make someonenotice them.
I pointed at the boy sitting nearest me. [VERB + at]
He pointed at me with the stem of his pipe. [VERBat noun]
He pointed to a chair, signalling for her to sit. [VERB + to]
15. verb
If you point something at someone, you aim the tip or end of it towards them.
David Khan pointed his finger at Mary. [VERB noun + at]
A man pointed a gun at them and pulled the trigger. [VERB noun + at]
Synonyms: aim, level, train, direct More Synonyms of point
16. verb
If something pointsto a place or points in a particular direction, it shows where that place is or it faces in that direction.
An arrow pointed to the toilets. [VERB preposition/adverb]
You can go anywhere and still the compass points north or south. [VERB preposition/adverb]
He controlled the car until it was pointing forwards again. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: face, look, direct More Synonyms of point
17. verb
If something points to a particular situation, it suggests that the situation exists or is likely to occur.
Earlier reports pointed to pupils working harder, more continuously, and with enthusiasm. [VERBto noun]
Private polls and embassy reports pointed to a no vote. [VERB + to]
18. verb
If you point to something that has happened or that is happening, you are using it as proof that a particular situation exists.
George Fodor points to other weaknesses in the way the campaign has progressed. [VERB + to]
Gooch last night pointed to their bowling as the key to World Cup success. [VERBto noun]
19. verb
When builders point a wall, they put a substance such as cement into the gaps between the bricks or stones in order to make the wall stronger and seal it.
20. See also pointed, breaking point, focal point, point of sale, point of view, power point, sticking point, vantage point
21.
See beside the point
22.
See come/get to the point
23.
See make/prove one's point
24.
See make a point of
25.
See on the point of
26.
See to the point
27.
See up to a point
28. a case in point
29. in point of fact
30. to point the finger at someone
31. a sore point
Phrasal verbs:
See point out
More Synonyms of point
point in British English
(pɔɪnt)
noun
1.
a dot or tiny mark
2.
a location, spot, or position
3.
any dot or mark used in writing or printing, such as a decimal point or a full stop
4. short for vowel point
5.
the sharp tapered end of a pin, knife, etc
6.
a pin, needle, or other object having such a point
7. mathematics
a.
a geometric element having no dimensions and whose position in space is located by means of its coordinates
b.
a location
point of inflection
8.
a promontory, usually smaller than a cape
9.
a specific condition or degree
10.
a moment
at that point I left the room
11.
an important or fundamental reason, aim, etc
the point of this exercise is to train new teachers
12.
an essential element or thesis in an argument
you've made your point
I take your point
13.
a suggestion or tip
14.
a detail or item
15.
an important or outstanding characteristic, physical attribute, etc
he has his good points
16.
a distinctive characteristic or quality of an animal, esp one used as a standard injudging livestock
17. (often plural)
any of the extremities, such as the tail, ears, or feet, of a domestic animal
18. ballet(often plural)
the tip of the toes
19.
a single unit for measuring or counting, as in the scoring of a game
20. Australian Rules football an informal name for behind (sense 11)
21. printing
a unit of measurement equal to one twelfth of a pica, or approximately 0.01384 inch. There are approximately 72 points to the inch
22. finance
a.
a unit of value used to quote security and commodity prices and their fluctuations
b.
a percentage unit sometimes payable by a borrower as a premium on a loan
23. nautical
a.
one of the 32 marks on the circumference of a compass card indicating direction
b.
the angle of 11°15′ between two adjacent marks
c.
a point on the horizon indicated by such a mark
24. cricket
a.
a fielding position at right angles to the batsman on the off side and relatively near the pitch
b.
a fielder in this position
25.
any of the numbers cast in the first throw in craps with which one neither wins nor loses by throwing them: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10
26.
either of the two electrical contacts that make or break the current flow in the distributor of an internal-combustion engine
27. British(often plural)
a junction of railway tracks in which a pair of rails can be moved so that a train can be directedonto either of two lines
US and Canadian equivalent: switch
28. (often plural)
a piece of ribbon, cord, etc, with metal tags at the end: used during the 16th and 17th centuries to fasten clothing
29. backgammon
a place or position on the board
30. British
a. short for power point
b. an informal name for socket (sense 2)
31.
an aggressive position adopted in bayonet or sword drill
32. military
the position at the head of a body of troops, or a person in this position
33.
the position of the body of a pointer or setter when it discovers game
34. boxing
a mark awarded for a scoring blow, knockdown, etc
35.
any diacritic used in a writing system, esp in a phonetic transcription, to indicate modifications of vowels or consonants
36. jewellery
a unit of weight equal to 0.01 carat
37.
the act of pointing
38. ice hockey
the position just inside the opponents' blue line
39. beside the point
40. case in point
41. in point of
42. make a point of
43. not to put too fine a point on it
44. on the point of
45. score points off
46. stretch a point
47. to the point
48. up to a point
verb
49. (usually foll byat or to)
to indicate the location or direction of by or as by extending (a finger or otherpointed object) towards it
she pointed to the front door
don't point that gun at me
50. (intr; usually foll by at or to)
to indicate or identify a specific person or thing among several
I pointed at the bottle I wanted
all evidence pointed to Donald as the murderer
51. (transitive)
to direct or cause to go or face in a specific direction or towards a place or goal
point me in the right direction
52. (transitive)
to sharpen or taper
53. (intransitive)
(of gun dogs) to indicate the place where game is lying by standing rigidly with the muzzle turned in its direction
54. (transitive)
to finish or repair the joints of (brickwork, masonry, etc) with mortar or cement
55. (transitive) music
to mark (a psalm text) with vertical lines to indicate the points at which the music changes duringchanting
56.
to steer (a sailing vessel) close to the wind or (of a sailing vessel) to sail close to thewind
57. (transitive) phonetics
to provide (a letter or letters) with diacritics
58. (transitive)
to provide (a Hebrew or similar text) with vowel points
Word origin
C13: from Old French: spot, from Latin punctum a point, from pungere to pierce; also influenced by Old French pointe pointed end, from Latin pungere
point in American English
(pɔɪnt)
noun
1.
a minute mark or dot
2.
a dot in printing or writing, as a period, decimal point, vowel point, etc.
3.
a.
an element in geometry having definite position, but no size, shape, or extension
a line between two points
b.
a particular or precisely specified position, location, place, or spot
points on an itinerary
4.
a.
any of certain positions a player is stationed at in cricket, lacrosse, and other games
b.
the player at such a position
5.
a particular time; exact moment
the point of death
6.
a stage, condition, level, or degree reached or indicated
a boiling point
7.
a particular detail or element; item
to explain a problem point by point
8.
a.
a distinguishing feature; characteristic
b.
a physical characteristic or quality of an animal, used as a standard in judgingbreeding
9.
a unit, as of measurement, value, game scores, etc.
10.
a.
a sharp or projecting end of something; tip
b.
something with a sharp end
11.
needlepoint lace
12.
a projecting or tapering piece of land; promontory; cape
13. [pl.]
a horse's extremities
14.
a branch of a deer's antler
a ten-point buck
15.
a.
the exact or essential fact or idea under consideration
b.
the main idea, striking feature, or effective twist of a joke, story, etc.
16.
a purpose; aim; object; use
no point in complaining
17.
a.
an impressive or telling argument, fact, or idea
he has a point there
b. US
a helpful hint or suggestion
18.
the posture of a hunting dog to show the presence and position of game
19. US
the number that the thrower must roll again before rolling a seven in order to winin craps
20.
a unit used in rationing commodities, as in time of war
21.
a jeweler's unit of weight, equal to 1⁄100 carat
a 10-point diamond
22. Obsolete
a cord with metal tips, used to lace up articles of clothing
23. Backgammon
any of the 24 triangular spaces on the board
24. Ballet
the position of being on the tips of the toes
25. Boxing
a scoring unit used when the bout is not ended by a knockout
to win on points
26. US, Education
a unit used in grading school or college work and figuring a student's academic average
a grade of A is worth four points per credit
27. Electricity
a.
either of the two contacts, tipped with tungsten or platinum, that make or break the circuit in some distributors
b. British
an electrical outlet
: in full power point
28. Finance
a.
a standard unit of value used in quoting changes in the prices of stocks, bonds, etc.; specif., a $1 change in the price of a stock
b.
a unit equal to one percent
a two-point rise in interest rates
c.
an amount equal to one percent; specif., an amount equal to one percent of a loansecured by a mortgage: one or more points may be paid in advance by the borrower
29. Heraldry
any of certain areas on a shield
30. Military
a small party before an advance guard or behind a rear guard
31. Navigation
a.
any of the 32 marks showing direction on the circumference of a compass card
b.
any of the corresponding positions on the horizon
c.
the angle between two successive compass points, equal to 111⁄4°
32. Printing
a measuring unit for type bodies and printed matter, equal to about 1⁄72 of an inch: there are 12 points in a pica
33. Railways; British
switch (sense 6) switch (sense 6a)
usually used in pl.
verb transitive
34.
a.
to put punctuation marks or pauses in
b.
to put vowel points on (Hebrew characters)
c.
to mark off (sums or numbers) with points, as esp. a decimal fraction from a wholenumber
with off
35.
to sharpen to a point, as a pencil
36.
to give (a story, remark, anecdote, action, etc.) extra force or special emphasis, as by repetition or elaboration
usually with up
37.
to show or call attention to
usually with out
to point the way, to point out a person's shortcomings
38.
to aim or direct (a gun, finger, etc.)
39.
to extend the foot so as to bring (the toe) more nearly in line with the leg
40.
to show the presence and location of (game) by standing still and facing toward it
said of hunting dogs
41. Masonry
to fill or refill and finish the joints of (brickwork or stonework) with mortar
often with up
to point up a chimney
verb intransitive
42.
to direct one's finger or the like (at or to something)
43.
to call attention or allude (to something); hint (at something)
44.
to aim or be directed (to or toward something); extend in a specified direction
45.
to point game
said of a hunting dog
46. Nautical
to sail close to the wind
Idioms:
at the point of
beside the point
in point
in point of
make a point of
on the point of
stretch a point
to the point
Derived forms
pointable (ˈpointable)
adjective
Word origin
OFr, dot, prick < L punctum, dot, neut. of punctus, pp. of pungere, to prick (< IE base *peuĝ-, *peu, to prick, jab > Ger fichte, spruce tree, L pugil, boxer, pugnus, fist); also < OFr pointe, sharp end < ML puncta < L punctus
More idioms containing
point
point the finger at someone
be a sore point with someone
boiling point
not to put too fine a point on it
a sticking point
COBUILD Collocations
point
certain point
crisis point
crucial point
important point
key point
main point
maximum point
precious point
single point
valid point
vital point
whole point
Examples of 'point' in a sentence
point
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
The points were already in the bag.
The Sun (2016)
We take a point and we move on.
The Sun (2016)
So all we have is the number of points gained in a random selected group of matches.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It left them with one point from their first five games.
The Sun (2016)
The new gaffer has taken four points from his first two games.
The Sun (2016)
Human rights groups point out that she has been denied access to a lawyer.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
To reflect on another two points dropped.
The Sun (2016)
There is no point me going to court as she has no money.
The Sun (2016)
We could close the gap on them to three points - or it could go to something likenine points.
The Sun (2016)
In their past four top-flight matches, they have mustered just a single point.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The action moved from point to point with a vigour that surprised me.
Claire Harman ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (2005)
The number of the question is the number of points you score and the lower the better.
Chaitow, Leon The Beat Fatigue Workbook - how to identify the causes (1988)
He made a point of saying that all the time.
The Sun (2013)
The gesture involves touching the right shoulder with the left hand while pointing the rightarm down.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You are now probably pointing towards something behind you.
Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)
We did our best and we ground out another important point and kept the home fans happy.
The Sun (2009)
We wish we could stop at this point and go on to something easier.
Charles A. D'Ambrosio & Stewart D. Hodges & Richard Brealey & Stewart Myers Principles of Corporate Finance (1991)
If he had just had a good point to close with it would have just been perfect.
Christianity Today (2000)
Centre drills are short and robust with a point at each end.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
We have had two points robbed from us.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
As likely as not they point the finger at the referee.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Leicester need nine points from their remaining five games to be certain of winning the league.
The Sun (2016)
We set out to take three points.
The Sun (2010)
This is a show about the human body from the point of view of its health.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
It is to point in the direction of the path that leads to freedom.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It has taken months of unwinding to get to this point.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We lost track of the point of it all.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Many people pointed out they had cycled or walked to school at the same age.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We felt quite comfortable during the game so a point is disappointing.
The Sun (2006)
We showed character and the right attitude and delivered an important three points.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Palace had three points from eight games before he quit citing exhaustion.
The Sun (2014)
We use the collapsed fridge as a compass point.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They would already be six points clear of United.
The Sun (2013)
At one point we got the seizures down to 40 a day and were really pleased.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
point
British English: point /pɔɪnt/ NOUN
something stated A point is an idea or a fact.
The research made some useful points.
American English: point
Arabic: نُقْطَة
Brazilian Portuguese: ponto ideia
Chinese: 点
Croatian: poanta
Czech: jádro věci
Danish: pointe
Dutch: punt spits
European Spanish: punto espacio
Finnish: asian ydin
French: point
German: Sinn Diskussion
Greek: σημείο
Italian: punto
Japanese: 要点
Korean: 사실
Norwegian: poeng hovedsak
Polish: punkt
European Portuguese: ponto de vista ideia
Romanian: punct de vedere
Russian: мысль
Latin American Spanish: punto unidad de valoración
Swedish: punkt
Thai: ความคิดเห็น
Turkish: nokta yer
Ukrainian: ідея
Vietnamese: điểm
British English: point /pɔɪnt/ VERB
If you point at something, you stick out your finger to show where it is.
I pointed at the boy sitting near me.
American English: point
Arabic: يُشِيرُ إِلى
Brazilian Portuguese: apontar
Chinese: 指向
Croatian: uprijeti
Czech: ukázat
Danish: pege
Dutch: wijzen
European Spanish: señalar apuntar
Finnish: osoittaa suuntaa tms.
French: montrer du doigt
German: zeigen
Greek: δείχνω
Italian: puntare
Japanese: 指し示す
Korean: 위치(방향)를 가리키다
Norwegian: peke
Polish: wskazać
European Portuguese: apontar
Romanian: a arăta
Russian: указывать
Latin American Spanish: señalar enseñar con el dedo
Swedish: peka
Thai: ชี้
Turkish: göstermek parmakla
Ukrainian: вказувати
Vietnamese: chỉ tay
British English: point /pɔɪnt/ NOUN
needle, pin, knife The point of something is its thin, sharp end. Needles and knives have points.
American English: point
Arabic: حَدّ
Brazilian Portuguese: ponta
Chinese: 尖
Croatian: vrh
Czech: špičkakonec
Danish: spids
Dutch: punt
European Spanish: punta
Finnish: kärki
French: pointe
German: Spitze
Greek: μύτη
Italian: punta
Japanese: 先
Korean: 사물의 뾰족한 끝
Norwegian: spiss
Polish: szpic
European Portuguese: ponta
Romanian: vârf
Russian: острие
Latin American Spanish: punta
Swedish: spets
Thai: ปลายแหลม
Turkish: uç
Ukrainian: вістря
Vietnamese: mũi
British English: point /pɔɪnt/ NOUN
in a game or sport A point is a mark that you win in a game or a sport.
American English: point
Arabic: نُقْطَة
Brazilian Portuguese: ponto
Chinese: 分
Croatian: bod
Czech: bodve hře
Danish: point
Dutch: punt
European Spanish: punto
Finnish: piste
French: pointsport
German: Punkt
Greek: σημείο
Italian: punto
Japanese: 得点
Korean: 점수
Norwegian: poeng
Polish: punkt
European Portuguese: ponto
Romanian: punct
Russian: очко
Latin American Spanish: punto
Swedish: poäng
Thai: คะแนน
Turkish: nokta
Ukrainian: бал
Vietnamese: điểm
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'point'
à point
just in time
dew point
the temperature at which water vapour in the air becomes saturated and water droplets begin to form
end point
the point at which a titration is complete, usually marked by a change in colour of an indicator
far point
the farthest point at which vision is distinct when the lens , muscles, etc. of the eye are relaxed
ice point
the temperature at which a mixture of ice and water are in equilibrium at a pressure of one atmosphere . It is 0° on the Celsius scale and 32° on the Fahrenheit scale
in point
appropriate ; pertinent ; apt
key point
A point is a detail, aspect , or quality of something or someone.
on point
pertinent ; relevant
point man
a soldier who walks at the front of an infantry patrol in combat
point off
to mark off from the right-hand side (a number of decimal places) in a whole number to create a mixed decimal
point out
If you point out an object or place, you make people look at it or show them where it is.
point up
to emphasize , esp by identifying
set point
a point that would enable one side to win a set
way point
a place or point between major points on a route
basis point
In finance , a basis point is one hundredth of one per cent (.01%).
bonus point
an additional point in a game, a sporting competition , or any similar scheme in which points can be awarded
break point
a point which allows the receiving player to break the service of the server
cover point
a fielding position in the covers
Crown Point
a village in NE New York , on Lake Champlain : the site of a strategic fort in the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. 1837
Curie point
the temperature above which a ferromagnetic substance loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic
dead point
→ dead center
extra point
→ conversion (sense 3 )
fesse point
the midpoint of a shield
fixed point
a reproducible invariant temperature; the boiling point, freezing point, or triple point of a substance, such as water, that is used to calibrate a thermometer or define a temperature scale
flash point
the lowest temperature at which a volatile solid or the vapor of a liquid will flash when exposed to a brief flame under certain conditions
focal point
The focal point of something is the thing that people concentrate on or pay most attention to.
game point
a stage at which winning one further point would enable one player or side to win a game
gold point
either of two exchange rates (the gold export point and the gold import point ) at which it is as cheap to settle international accounts by exporting or importing gold bullion as by selling or buying bills of exchange
grade point
a mark of a student's academic achievement which is the average of all the grades that they have been awarded during the course of their studies
gros point
a needlepoint stitch covering two horizontal and two vertical threads
high point
The high point of an event or period of time is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it.
ideal point
the point at infinity
knife-point
the tip of a knife blade
limit point
(of a set ) a point that is the limit of a sequence of points in the set
main point
The point of what you are saying or discussing is the most important part that provides a reason or explanation for the rest .
match point
In a game of tennis , match point is the situation when the player who is in the lead can win the whole match if they win the next point.
moot point
a question about which there is debate or doubt
near point
the nearest point to the eye at which an object remains in focus
Néel point
the temperature above which an antiferromagnetic substance loses its antiferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic
pedal point
a sustained bass note, over which the other parts move bringing about changing harmonies
petit point
a small diagonal needlepoint stitch used for fine detail
pinch point
a point in a network or system where congestion occurs or is likely to occur
plus point
an advantage or positive characteristic
point after
a score given for a successful kick between the goalposts and above the crossbar , following a touchdown
point-blank
If you say something point-blank , you say it very directly or rudely, without explaining or apologizing.
point count
a method of evaluating a player's hand in terms of points assigned to it for high cards and extremes of suit distribution
point duty
the stationing of a police officer or traffic warden at a road junction to control and direct traffic
point group
any of 32 possible types of crystals , classified according to their rotational symmetry about axes through a point
point guard
the position of the player responsible for directing the team's attacking play
point lace
lace made by a needle with buttonhole stitch on a paper pattern
Chinese translation of 'point'
point
(pɔɪnt)
n
(c) (in report, lecture, interview) 论(論)点(點) (lùndiǎn) (个(個), gè)
(s) (= significant part)[of argument, discussion]要害 (yàohài)
⇒ He came straight to the point.他切中要害。 (Tā qièzhòng yàohài.)
(s) (= purpose)[of action]目的 (mùdì)
⇒ What was the point in getting married?结婚目的何在? (Jiéhūn mùdì hé zài?)
the train stops at Carlisle and all points south火车(車)停靠卡莱(萊)尔(爾)及其以南的所有站点(點) (huǒchē tíngkào Kǎlái'ěr jí qí yǐnán de suǒyǒu zhàndiǎn)
at that point那时(時) (nàshí)
up to a point在某种(種)程度上 (zài mǒu zhǒng chéngdù shang)
two point five (= 2.5) 二点(點)五 (èr diǎn wǔ)
to be on the point of doing sth正要做某事时(時) (zhèngyào zuò mǒushì shí)
to make a point of doing sth特意做某事 (tèyì zuò mǒushì)
to get/miss the point理解/不理解要点(點) (lǐjiě/bù lǐjiě yàodiǎn)
to come/get to the point切中要点(點) (qièzhòng yàodiǎn)
to make one's point使他人领(領)会(會)自己的意思 (shǐ tārén lǐnghuì zìjǐ de yìsi)
to prove one's point证(證)明某人的观(觀)点(點) (zhèngmíng mǒurén de guāndiǎn)
that's the whole point!正是这(這)个(個)意思! (zhèng shì zhège yìsi!)
to be beside the point不切题(題)的 (bù qiètí de)
you've got a point there!你言之有理! (nǐ yán zhī yǒulǐ!)
I take/see your point我接受/理解你的看法 (wǒ jiēshòu/lǐjiě nǐ de kànfǎ)
in point of fact事实(實)上 (shìshíshang)
the points of the compass罗(羅)盘(盤)上的罗(羅)经(經)点(點) (luópán shang de luójīngdiǎn)
to point at sth/sb (with finger, stick) 指着(著)某物/某人 (zhǐzhe mǒuwù/mǒurén)
to point to sth/sb (with finger/stick) 指向某物/某人 (zhǐxiàng mǒuwù/mǒurén)
⇒ Mr Jones pointed to a chair and asked her to sit down.琼斯先生指指椅子请她坐下。 (Qióngsī xiānsheng zhǐzhǐ yǐzi qǐng tā zuò xià.)
to point to or towards sth[sign, needle, arrow]指向某物 (zhǐxiàng mǒuwù)
to point to sth[fact]暗示某事 (ànshì mǒushì) [speaker]指出 (zhǐchū)
⇒ They pointed proudly to the administration's success in recent years.他们自豪地指出近年来在管理上的成功。 (Tāmen zìháo de zhǐchū jìnnián lái zài guǎnlǐ shang de chénggōng.)
to point forwards/north指向前/北 (zhǐxiàng qián/běi)
to point the way forward标(標)引前方道路 (biāoyǐn qiánfāng dàolù)
( with finger/stick ) 指向某物/某人 zhǐxiàng mǒuwù/mǒurén ⇒ Mr Jones pointed to a chair and asked her to sit down. → 琼斯先生指指椅子请她坐下。 Qióngsī xiānsheng zhǐzhǐ yǐzi qǐng tā zuò xià.
to prove one's point
证(證)明某人的观(觀)点(點) zhèngmíng mǒurén de guāndiǎn
that's beside the point
那是离(離)题(題)了 nà shì lítí le
that's the whole point!
正是这(這)个(個)意思! zhèng shì zhège yìsi!
to point forwards/north
指向前/北 zhǐxiàng qián/běi
to point out that ...
指出 ... zhǐchū ...
I take/see your point
我接受/理解你的看法 wǒ jiēshòu/lǐjiě nǐ de kànfǎ
to be beside the point
不切题(題)的 bù qiètí de
to get/miss the point
理解/不理解要点(點) lǐjiě/bù lǐjiě yàodiǎn
to point the way forward
标(標)引前方道路 biāoyǐn qiánfāng dàolù
to come/get to the point
切中要点(點) qièzhòng yàodiǎn
to point the finger at sb
( fig ) 指责(責)某人 zhǐzé mǒurén
to point to or towards sth
( sign, needle, arrow ) 指向某物 zhǐxiàng mǒuwù
you've got a point there!
你言之有理! nǐ yán zhī yǒulǐ!
from a practical point of view
从(從)现(現)实(實)的角度看 cóng xiànshí de jiǎodù kàn
from the point of view of ...
从(從) ... 的观(觀)点(點)来(來)看 cóng ... de guāndiǎn lái kàn
to make a point of doing sth
特意做某事 tèyì zuò mǒushì
to be on the point of doing sth
正要做某事时(時) zhèngyào zuò mǒushì shí
the halfway point or stage of a race
比赛(賽)中点(點)时(時) bǐsài zhōngdiǎn shí
exclamation mark
感叹(嘆)号(號) gǎntànhào [ 个(個) gè ]
to score a point over sb/score points off sb
( fig ) 驳(駁)倒某人 bódǎo mǒurén
his/her strong point(s)
他/她的长(長)处(處) tā/tā de chángchu
1 (noun)
Definition
the essential idea in an argument or discussion
You have missed the main point of my argument.
Synonyms
essence
Some claim that Ireland's very essence is expressed through its language.
meaning
I became more aware of the symbols and their meanings.
subject
It was I who first raised the subject of moving to Canada.
question
The whole question of aid is a tricky political one.
matter
This conflict forms the matter of the play.
heart
The heart of the problem is supply and demand.
theme
The novel's central theme is obsession.
import
I have already spoken about the import of his speech.
text
His work served as the text of secret debates.
core
He has the ability to get straight to the core of a problem.
burden
drift
She was beginning to get his drift.
thrust
The main thrust of the film is its examination of religious values.
proposition
marrow
the very marrow of his being
crux
He said the crux of the matter was economic policy.
gist
He related the gist of his conversation to us.
main idea
nub
That, I think, is the nub of the problem.
pith
2 (noun)
Definition
a reason or aim
What's the point of all these questions?
Synonyms
purpose
The purpose of the occasion was to raise money for charity.
aim
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
object
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
use
You will no longer have a use for the car.
end
another policy designed to achieve the same end
reason
There is a reason for every important thing that happens.
goal
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
design
Is there some design in having him here?
intention
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
objective
His objective was to play golf and win.
utility
He inwardly questioned the utility of his work.
intent
a statement of intent on arms control
motive
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
usefulness
His interest lay in the usefulness of his work.
3 (noun)
Definition
a characteristic
The most interesting point about the village is its religion.
Synonyms
aspect
Climate affects every aspect of our lives.
detail
I recall every detail of the party.
feature
The gardens are a special feature of this property.
side
He is in charge of the civilian side of the UN mission.
quality
He wanted to introduce mature people with leadership qualities.
property
A radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties.
particular
The nurses at the admission desk asked for her particulars.
respect
He's simply wonderful in every respect.
item
The other item on the agenda is the tour.
instance
characteristic
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
topic
They offer tips on topics such as home safety.
attribute
He has every attribute a footballer could want.
trait
Creativity is a human trait.
facet
The website documents every facet of the director's career.
peculiarity
a strange peculiarity of the university system
nicety
4 (noun)
Definition
a location or position
The town square is a popular meeting point for tourists.
Synonyms
place
the place where the temple actually stood
area
the large number of community groups in the area
position
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
station
Police said the bomb was buried in the sand near a lifeguard station.
site
the site of Moses' tomb
spot
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
location
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
locality
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
locale
An amusement park is the perfect locale for adventures.
5 (noun)
Definition
a moment
At this point, Diana arrived.
Synonyms
moment
At this moment a car stopped outside the house.
time
It seemed like a good time to tell her.
stage
the final stage of the tour
period
a period of a few months
phase
The crisis is entering a crucial phase.
instant
At the same instant, she flung open the car door.
juncture
We're at a critical juncture.
moment in time
very minute
6 (noun)
Definition
a specific condition or degree
It got to the point where he had to leave.
Synonyms
stage
level
in order according to their level of difficulty
position
He's going to be in a difficult position if things go badly.
condition
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
degree
They achieved varying degrees of success.
pitch
Tensions have reached such a pitch in the area that the army have been called in.
circumstance
They say they will never, under any circumstances, be the first to use force.
extent
The full extent of the losses was revealed yesterday.
7 (noun)
Definition
the sharp tip of anything
the point of a knife
Synonyms
end
He tapped the ends of his fingers together.
tip
She poked and shifted things with the tip of her walking stick.
sharp end
top
spur
spike
a 15-foot wall topped with iron spikes
apex
She led me up a gloomy corridor to the apex of the pyramid.
nib
tine
prong
Mark the loaf with the prongs of a fork.
8 (noun)
Definition
a single unit for measuring something such as value, or of scoring in a game
Sort the answers out and add up the points.
Synonyms
score
So what is the score anyway?
tally
They do not keep a tally of visitors to the palace.
mark
Sales have sailed past the one million mark in the space of just 28 days.
9 (noun)
Definition
a headland
a long point of land reaching southwards into the sea
Synonyms
headland
The headland south of Coolum has walking trails.
head
a ship off the beach head
bill
cape
voyages of exploration round the Cape
ness (archaic)
promontory
a promontory jutting out into the bay
foreland
10 (noun)
Definition
a dot or tiny mark
a point of light in an otherwise dark world
Synonyms
pinpoint
mark
The dogs rub against the walls and make dirty marks.
spot
The floorboards were covered with white spots.
dot
a small black dot in the middle
fleck
His hair is dark grey with flecks of ginger.
speck
There is a speck of blood by his ear.
11 (noun)
Definition
a dot used as a decimal point or a full stop
Synonyms
full stop
stop
period
1 (verb)
Definition
to direct or face in a specific direction
He pointed the gun at them.
Synonyms
aim
He was aiming the rifle at me.
level
She levelled her gaze on the summit.
train
She trained her binoculars on the horizon.
direct
He directed the tiny beam of light at the roof.
2 (verb)
Definition
to direct or face in a specific direction
He controlled the car until it was pointing forwards again.
Synonyms
face
look
The terrace looks onto the sea.
direct
3 (verb)
Synonyms
sharpen
He started to sharpen his knife.
edge
taper
barb
whet
idioms
See beside the point
See in point of fact
See on the point of something
Phrasal verbs
See point at or to something or someone
See point of view
See point something or someone out
See point something up
See point to something
See to the point
See up to a point
related words
related phobiaaichurophobia
Additional synonyms
in the sense of apex
Definition
the highest point
She led me up a gloomy corridor to the apex of the pyramid.
Synonyms
highest point,
point,
top,
tip,
summit,
peak,
crest,
pinnacle,
vertex
in the sense of area
Definition
a section, part, or region
the large number of community groups in the area
Synonyms
region,
land,
quarter,
division,
sector,
district,
stretch,
territory,
zone,
plot,
province,
patch,
neighbourhood,
sphere,
turf (slang),
realm,
domain,
tract,
locality,
neck of the woods (informal)
in the sense of attribute
Definition
a quality or feature representative of a person or thing
He has every attribute a footballer could want.
Synonyms
quality,
point,
mark,
sign,
note,
feature,
property,
character,
element,
aspect,
symbol,
characteristic,
indication,
distinction,
virtue,
trait,
hallmark (British),
facet,
quirk,
peculiarity,
idiosyncrasy
Synonyms of 'point'
point
Explore 'point' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cape
Definition
a large piece of land that juts out into the sea
voyages of exploration round the Cape
Synonyms
headland,
point,
head,
peninsula,
ness (archaic),
promontory,
chersonese (poetic)
in the sense of characteristic
Definition
a distinguishing feature or quality
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
Synonyms
feature,
mark,
quality,
property,
attribute,
faculty,
trait,
quirk,
peculiarity,
idiosyncrasy
in the sense of circumstance
Definition
an occurrence or condition that accompanies or influences a person or event
They say they will never, under any circumstances, be the first to use force.
Synonyms
condition,
situation,
scenario,
contingency,
state of affairs,
lie of the land
in the sense of condition
Definition
a particular state of being
The government has to encourage people to better their condition.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
position,
status,
circumstances,
plight,
status quo,
case,
predicament
in the sense of core
Definition
the central or essential part of something
He has the ability to get straight to the core of a problem.
Synonyms
heart,
essence,
nucleus,
kernel,
crux,
gist,
nub,
pith
in the sense of crux
Definition
a crucial or decisive point
He said the crux of the matter was economic policy.
Synonyms
crucial point,
heart,
core,
essence,
nub,
decisive point
in the sense of degree
Definition
a stage in a scale of relative amount or intensity
They achieved varying degrees of success.
Synonyms
amount,
measure,
rate,
level,
stage,
extent,
grade,
proportion,
gradation
in the sense of design
Definition
an intention
Is there some design in having him here?
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
aim,
plan,
goal,
dream,
target,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent
in the sense of detail
Definition
an item that is considered separately
I recall every detail of the party.
Synonyms
point,
fact,
feature,
particular,
respect,
factor,
count,
item,
instance,
element,
aspect,
specific,
component,
facet,
technicality
in the sense of direct
Definition
to address (a look or remark) at someone
He directed the tiny beam of light at the roof.
Synonyms
aim,
point,
turn,
level,
train,
focus,
fix,
cast
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dot
Definition
a small round mark
a small black dot in the middle
Synonyms
spot,
point,
mark,
circle,
atom,
dab,
mite,
fleck,
jot,
speck,
full stop,
speckle,
mote,
iota,
pinprick
in the sense of drift
Definition
the main point of an argument or speech
She was beginning to get his drift.
Synonyms
meaning,
point,
gist,
aim,
direction,
object,
import,
intention,
implication,
tendency,
significance,
thrust,
tenor,
purport
in the sense of extent
Definition
the degree or amount to which something applies
The full extent of the losses was revealed yesterday.
Synonyms
magnitude,
amount,
degree,
scale,
level,
measure,
stretch,
quantity,
bulk,
duration,
expanse,
amplitude
in the sense of facet
Definition
an aspect of something, such as a personality
The website documents every facet of the director's career.
Synonyms
aspect,
part,
face,
side,
phase,
angle
in the sense of feature
Definition
a prominent or distinctive part of something
The gardens are a special feature of this property.
Synonyms
aspect,
quality,
characteristic,
attribute,
point,
mark,
property,
factor,
trait,
hallmark,
facet,
peculiarity
in the sense of fleck
Definition
a small marking or streak
His hair is dark grey with flecks of ginger.
Synonyms
mark,
speck,
streak,
spot,
dot,
pinpoint,
speckle
in the sense of gist
Definition
the main point or meaning of something
He related the gist of his conversation to us.
Synonyms
essence,
meaning,
point,
idea,
sense,
import,
core,
substance,
drift,
significance,
marrow,
nub,
pith,
quintessence
in the sense of goal
Definition
an aim or purpose
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
Synonyms
aim,
end,
target,
purpose,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
destination,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of head
Definition
a headland or promontory
a ship off the beach head
Synonyms
headland,
point,
cape,
promontory,
foreland
in the sense of heart
Definition
the most central part or important part
The heart of the problem is supply and demand.
Synonyms
root,
core,
essence,
centre,
nucleus,
marrow,
hub,
kernel,
crux,
gist,
central part,
nitty-gritty (informal),
nub,
pith,
quintessence
Additional synonyms
in the sense of import
Definition
meaning
I have already spoken about the import of his speech.
Synonyms
meaning,
implication,
significance,
sense,
message,
bearing,
intention,
explanation,
substance,
drift,
interpretation,
thrust,
purport,
upshot,
gist,
signification
in the sense of instant
Definition
a particular moment
At the same instant, she flung open the car door.
Synonyms
time,
point,
hour,
moment,
stage,
occasion,
phase,
juncture
in the sense of intent
Definition
something that is intended
a statement of intent on arms control
Synonyms
intention,
aim,
purpose,
meaning,
end,
plan,
goal,
design,
target,
object,
resolution,
resolve,
objective,
ambition,
aspiration
in the sense of intention
Definition
something intended
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
Synonyms
aim,
plan,
idea,
goal,
end,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
desire,
object,
objective,
determination,
intent,
end in view
in the sense of item
Definition
a single thing in a list or collection
The other item on the agenda is the tour.
Synonyms
matter,
point,
issue,
case,
question,
concern,
detail,
subject,
feature,
particular,
affair,
aspect,
entry,
theme,
consideration,
topic
in the sense of juncture
Definition
a point in time, esp. a critical one
We're at a critical juncture.
Synonyms
moment,
time,
point,
crisis,
occasion,
emergency,
strait,
contingency,
predicament,
crux,
exigency,
conjuncture
in the sense of level
Definition
stage or degree of progress
in order according to their level of difficulty
Synonyms
position,
standard,
degree (archaic),
grade,
standing,
stage,
rank,
status
in the sense of level
Definition
to aim (a weapon) horizontally
She levelled her gaze on the summit.
Synonyms
direct,
point,
turn,
train,
aim,
focus,
beam
in the sense of locale
Definition
the place where something happens or has happened
An amusement park is the perfect locale for adventures.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
venue,
locality,
locus
in the sense of locality
Definition
the site or scene of an event
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
locale
Additional synonyms
in the sense of location
Definition
a site or position
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
Synonyms
place,
point,
setting,
position,
situation,
spot,
venue,
whereabouts,
locus,
locale
in the sense of look
Definition
to face in a particular direction
The terrace looks onto the sea.
Synonyms
face,
overlook,
front on,
give onto,
l%k
in the sense of mark
Definition
a thing that indicates position
Sales have sailed past the one million mark in the space of just 28 days.
Synonyms
point,
level,
stage,
degree
in the sense of mark
Definition
a visible impression on a surface, such as a spot or scratch
The dogs rub against the walls and make dirty marks.
Synonyms
spot,
stain,
streak,
smudge,
line,
nick,
impression,
scratch,
bruise,
scar,
dent,
blot,
blemish,
blotch,
pock,
splotch,
smirch
in the sense of marrow
the very marrow of his being
Synonyms
core,
heart,
spirit,
quick,
soul,
cream,
substance,
essence,
kernel,
gist,
pith,
quintessence
in the sense of matter
Definition
the content of written or verbal material as distinct from its style or form
This conflict forms the matter of the play.
Synonyms
content,
sense,
subject,
argument,
text,
substance,
burden,
thesis,
purport,
gist,
pith
in the sense of meaning
Definition
the sense or significance of a word, sentence, or symbol
I became more aware of the symbols and their meanings.
Synonyms
significance,
message,
explanation,
substance,
value,
import,
implication,
drift,
interpretation,
essence,
purport,
connotation,
upshot,
gist,
signification
in the sense of motive
Definition
the reason, whether conscious or unconscious, for a certain course of action
Police have ruled out robbery as a motive for the killing.
Synonyms
reason,
motivation,
cause,
ground(s),
design,
influence,
purpose,
object,
intention,
spur,
incentive,
inspiration,
stimulus,
rationale,
inducement,
incitement,
mainspring,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of nub
Definition
the point or gist
That, I think, is the nub of the problem.
Synonyms
gist,
point,
heart,
core,
essence,
nucleus,
kernel,
crux,
pith
in the sense of object
Definition
an aim or purpose
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
end,
point,
plan,
idea,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
principle,
function,
intention,
objective,
intent,
motive,
end in view,
end purpose,
the why and wherefore
Additional synonyms
in the sense of objective
Definition
an aim or purpose
His objective was to play golf and win.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
goal,
end,
plan,
hope,
idea,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
desire,
object,
intention,
ambition,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal),
end in view,
why and wherefore
in the sense of particular
Definition
an item of information
The nurses at the admission desk asked for her particulars.
Synonyms
detail,
fact,
feature,
item,
circumstance,
specification
in the sense of peculiarity
Definition
a distinguishing trait
a strange peculiarity of the university system
Synonyms
characteristic,
mark,
feature,
quality,
property,
attribute,
trait,
speciality,
singularity,
distinctiveness,
particularity
in the sense of period
Definition
a portion of time
a period of a few months
Synonyms
time,
term,
season,
space,
run,
stretch,
spell,
phase,
patch (British, informal),
interval,
span
in the sense of phase
Definition
any distinct or characteristic stage in a sequence of events
The crisis is entering a crucial phase.
Synonyms
stage,
time,
state,
point,
position,
step,
development,
condition,
period,
chapter,
aspect,
juncture
in the sense of pitch
Definition
a level of emotion
Tensions have reached such a pitch in the area that the army have been called in.
Synonyms
level,
point,
degree,
summit,
extent,
height,
intensity,
high point
in the sense of pith
Definition
the essential part
Synonyms
essence,
point,
heart,
meat,
core,
marrow,
kernel,
crux,
gist,
heart of the matter,
nub,
quintessence,
salient point,
the long and the short of it
in the sense of position
Definition
place or location
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
Synonyms
location,
place,
point,
area,
post,
situation,
station,
site,
spot,
bearings,
reference,
orientation,
whereabouts,
locality,
locale
in the sense of position
He's going to be in a difficult position if things go badly.
Synonyms
situation,
state,
condition,
set of circumstances,
plight,
strait(s),
predicament
in the sense of promontory
Definition
a point of high land that juts out into the sea
a promontory jutting out into the bay
Synonyms
point,
cape,
head,
spur,
ness (archaic),
headland,
foreland
Additional synonyms
in the sense of prong
Definition
a long pointed projection from an instrument or tool such as a fork
Mark the loaf with the prongs of a fork.
Synonyms
point,
tip,
spike,
tine
in the sense of property
Definition
a quality or attribute
A radio signal has both electrical and magnetic properties.
Synonyms
quality,
feature,
characteristic,
mark,
ability,
attribute,
virtue,
trait,
hallmark,
peculiarity,
idiosyncrasy
in the sense of quality
Definition
a feature of personality
He wanted to introduce mature people with leadership qualities.
Synonyms
characteristic,
feature,
attribute,
point,
side,
mark,
property,
aspect,
streak,
trait,
facet,
quirk,
peculiarity,
idiosyncrasy
in the sense of question
Definition
a point at issue
The whole question of aid is a tricky political one.
Synonyms
issue,
point,
matter,
subject,
problem,
debate,
proposal,
theme,
motion,
topic,
proposition,
bone of contention,
point at issue
in the sense of reason
Definition
a cause or motive for a belief or action
There is a reason for every important thing that happens.
Synonyms
cause,
grounds,
purpose,
motive,
end,
goal,
design,
target,
aim,
basis,
occasion,
object,
intention,
incentive,
warrant,
impetus,
inducement,
why and wherefore (informal)
in the sense of respect
Definition
a detail or characteristic
He's simply wonderful in every respect.
Synonyms
particular,
way,
point,
matter,
sense,
detail,
feature,
aspect,
characteristic,
facet
in the sense of side
Definition
aspect or part
He is in charge of the civilian side of the UN mission.
Synonyms
aspect,
feature,
angle,
facet
in the sense of site
Definition
the piece of ground where something was, is, or is intended to be located
the site of Moses' tomb
Synonyms
location,
place,
setting,
point,
position,
situation,
spot,
whereabouts,
locus
in the sense of speck
Definition
a very small mark or spot
There is a speck of blood by his ear.
Synonyms
mark,
spot,
dot,
stain,
blot,
fleck,
speckle,
mote
in the sense of spike
Definition
a long metal nail
a 15-foot wall topped with iron spikes
Synonyms
point,
stake,
spur,
pin,
nail,
spine,
barb,
tine,
prong
Additional synonyms
in the sense of topic
Definition
a subject of a speech, book, conversation, etc.
They offer tips on topics such as home safety.
Synonyms
subject,
point,
question,
issue,
matter,
theme,
text,
thesis,
subject matter
in the sense of train
Definition
to focus on or aim at (something)
She trained her binoculars on the horizon.
Synonyms
aim,
point,
level,
position,
direct,
focus,
sight,
line up,
turn on,
fix on,
zero in,
bring to bear
in the sense of trait
Definition
a characteristic feature or quality of a person or thing