- point */*/*/
- I UK [pɔɪnt] / US
noun
Word forms "point":
singular point plural points1) [countable] an idea or opinion among a number of otherspoint by point (= looking at each part separately):I disagree with you on a couple of important points.
Let's go over the plan point by point.
a) [singular] the thing that you are trying to sayMy point is that we're spending too much time on details and forgetting the big issues.
What's your point?
b) [singular] the reason for somethingpoint of:see/get the point (= understand the reason):What is the point of your visit?
not any/no point:I'm sorry – I just don't see the point of doing this.
I see no point in discussing this any further.
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Collocations:
Adjectives frequently used with point
▪ crucial, focal, fundamental, important, key, main Verbs frequently used with point as the object ▪ illustrate, labour, make, prove, raise2) [countable] an aspect or featuresomeone's strong/weak points:the finer points (= the details):Subtlety is not one of his strong points.
it has its points (= it has some good qualities):He spent his spare time coaching youngsters on the finer points of soccer.
I complain about working different hours from everyone else, but it has its points.
3)a) [countable] a particular moment in timeat this/that point:at this/that point in time:At that point we all got up and walked out of the room.
At this point in time we can't afford to hire any more people.
b) [singular] a particular stage in a processreach a point:the freezing/boiling point of water
to the point of:We're just trying to reach a point where both sides will sit down together and talk.
His behaviour was strange to the point of being considered unacceptable by his employers.
4)a) [countable] a particular placeWe'll meet at a point halfway between here and your hotel.
a point where three different countries meet
b) a position on a drawing or mapLines C and D intersect at point E.
5)a) [countable] a unit for counting the score in a game or sportOur team is two points behind.
They won on points (= by getting the most points).
b) a unit of measurementInterest rates fell by 2 percentage points.
6) [countable] a very small area of light or colourHis eyes narrowed to glittering points of light.
7) [countable] the sharp end of somethingthe point of the knife/sword/scissors
8) [countable] a piece of land that stretches out into an area of water9) [countable] maths the word for a decimal point, used when saying a number, for example 6.3 is said as "six point three"10) [countable] British a power point11) [countable] one of the 32 marks on a compass that show direction•come/get to the point
— to stop talking about unimportant details and say what is most importantWe haven't got all day, so please get to the point.
I see/take your point
= point taken — used for saying that you understand what someone is trying to say, especially when you disagree with itI see your point, but I don't think there's anything we can do at the moment.
make/proveyour/a point
— to prove that you are right about somethingOkay, you've made your point, there's no need to keep going on about it.
See:
II UK [pɔɪnt] / US verb
Word forms "point":
present tense I/you/we/they point he/she/it points present participle pointing past tense pointed past participle pointed1) [intransitive/transitive] to show something by holding out your finger or a long thin objectDon't point. They'll know we're looking at them.
point at:He pointed his stick in the direction of the path.
point to:She pointed at the ice cream that she wanted.
He pointed to the dog as it ran towards them.
2) [intransitive] to show a particular direction or place, usually using a sign or symbolThe arrow pointed left towards the exit door.
Is the little hand pointing to 3 or 4?
3) [transitive] to aim an object at someone or somethingpoint something at/towards someone/something:All you have to do is point the camera and shoot.
He pointed his rifle at the deer and pulled the trigger.
4)a) [intransitive/transitive] to show someone the direction in which they should goCould you point me in the direction of the lobby?
b) to show someone what they should doThe results of the study will point towards areas for further research.
a great thinker who was pointing the way to the future
5) [intransitive/transitive] to stretch your toes as if you were trying to make them form a straight line with your leg6) [transitive] to repair a wall by putting new cement or mortar between the stones or bricks•point the/a finger (at someone)
— to accuse someone or suggest that they are guilty of something badPhrasal verbs:When criticized, he was quick to point the finger at his co-workers.
- point to- point up
English dictionary. 2014.