Point meaning
An example of point is for a child to aim his finger toward a rainbow with excitement.
An example of point is the end of a pencil.
An example of point is a reason why someone is against abortion.
The point of a knife; the point of the antenna.
A stone projectile point.
What is the point of discussing this issue further?
The melting point of a substance.
At this point, we are ready to proceed.
You have missed the whole point of the novel.
Your point is well taken.
Diplomacy is certainly not one of his strong points. Your weak point is your constant need for approval.
Point a weapon.
Comments that simply point up flawed reasoning.
All indications point to an early spring.
The point of death.
A boiling point.
To explain a problem point by point.
- A penalty unit assessed drivers in a.
- The service and play leading to a scored point.After a let, players must replay the point.
- A stone, piece of flint, etc. worked manually to a sharp point, as for an arrowhead or spearhead.
A ten-point buck.
No point in complaining.
A 10-point diamond.
To win on points.
A grade of A is worth four points per credit.
To point the way, to point out a person's shortcomings.
To point up a chimney.
Stock futures point higher.
- The Congress debated the finer points of the bill.
- There comes a point in a marathon when some people give up.At this point in the meeting, I'd like to propose a new item for the agenda.
- She was not feeling in good point.
- A topic of discussion or debate; a proposition, a focus of conversation or consideration. [from 14th c.].I made the point that we all had an interest to protect.
We should meet at a pre-arranged point.
The stars showed as tiny points of yellow light.
The one with the most points will win the game.
10.5 ("ten point five"; = ten and a half)
- Cut the skin with the point of the knife.
- Any projecting extremity of an object. [from 14th c.].
- An object which has a sharp or tapering tip. [from 14th c.].His cowboy belt was studded with points.
- (backgammon) Each of the twelve triangular positions in either table of a backgammon board, on which the stones are played. [from 15th c.].
- A peninsula or promontory. [from 15th c.].
- The position at the front or vanguard of an advancing force. [from 16th c.].
- Each of the main directions on a compass, usually considered to be 32 in number; a direction. [from 16th c.].
- (nautical) The difference between two points of the compass.To fall off a point.
- Pointedness of speech or writing; a penetrating or decisive quality of expression. [from 17th c.].
- (rail transport, UK, in the plural) A railroad switch. [from 19th c.].
- (usually in the plural) An area of contrasting colour on an animal, especially a dog; a marking. [from 19th c.].The point color of that cat was a deep, rich sable.
- Tierce point.
Point de Venise; Brussels point.
It's rude to point at other people.
The arrow of a compass points north.
The skis were pointing uphill.
The arrow on the map points towards the entrance.
To point a gun at a wolf, or a cannon at a fort.
To point a dart, a pencil, or (figuratively) a moral.
Bear off a little, we're pointing.
Pointed out an error in their reasoning.
Pointed out the oldest buildings on the skyline.
Pointing off the hundredths place in a column of figures.
- Irrelevant to the matter at hand.
- Having relevance or pertinence.
- With reference to; in the matter of:.In point of fact, I never lived at the address stated on the form.
- To consider or treat (an action or activity) as indispensable:.Made a point of visiting their niece on the way home.
- To make an exception.
- Concerning or with relevance to the matter at hand:.Remarks that were to the point; rambled and would not speak to the point.
- Very close to; on the verge of.
- Not pertinent; irrelevant.
- A pertinent example.
- In the matter of; as concerns.in point of fact.
- To make (something) one's strict rule, habit, or practice.
- To call special attention to.
- Almost in the act of; on the verge of.
- To make an exception or concession.
- Within limits; somewhat but not entirely.I trust him … to a point.
- Pertinent; apt.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
Origin of point
- Middle English partly from Old French point prick, mark, moment (from Vulgar Latin punctum) (from Latin pūnctum) (from neuter past participle of pungere to prick) and partly from Old French pointe sharp end (from Vulgar Latin puncta) (from Latin pūncta) (from) (feminine past participle of pungere to prick peuk- in Indo-European roots)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English point, from Old French point (“a point, dot, full stop, period, speck, hole, stitch, point of time, moment, difficulty, etc."), from Latin punctum (“a point, puncture"), prop. a hole punched in, substantive use of punctus, perfect passive participle of pungÅ (“I prick, punch"). Displaced native Middle English ord (“point"), from Old English ord (“point").
From Wiktionary