Point
/pɔɪnt/
Definitions
5 meaningsA specific location in space or time.
/pɔɪnt/
A specific location or position.
We met at the designated point.
💡 Simply: Think of a dot on a map or where something is. It’s like saying, 'That's the point where the treasure is buried!'
👶 For kids: A point is like a tiny spot or place.
More Examples
The needle has a sharp point.
From this point, we will proceed.
How It's Used
"The lighthouse is located at a strategic point on the coast."
"The ship's current point is 30 degrees north latitude."
A unit or measure, especially in scoring systems.
/pɔɪnt/
A unit of score or measurement.
He won the game by a single point.
💡 Simply: It’s like in a game – every time you score, you get a point! Same with quizzes. Each correct answer gets you a point.
👶 For kids: A point is how much you get when you win something.
More Examples
The test was graded out of ten points.
She improved her score by several points.
How It's Used
"The team earned two points for a touchdown."
"The student received a high score, earning them many points."
The central or essential meaning or idea.
/pɔɪnt/
The central idea or purpose.
What's the point of this exercise?
💡 Simply: It's like what someone is *really* trying to say. If someone's explaining a story and saying, 'The point is…' they are saying, 'This is what matters.'
👶 For kids: The point is the most important thing.
More Examples
The point of his argument was to highlight the need for change.
Can you get to the point, please?
How It's Used
"The main point of the argument was to reduce costs."
"The author clearly made his point in the conclusion."
To direct a finger or an object toward something.
/pɔɪnt/
To direct someone's attention to something.
She pointed to the sign on the wall.
💡 Simply: Like when you say, 'Look over there!' and use your finger to show what you mean. Or, imagine if you’re trying to help a friend find the snack aisle, you'd point!
👶 For kids: To show someone where something is by using your finger.
More Examples
The guide pointed out the historical landmarks.
He pointed with his finger at the bird.
How It's Used
"He pointed at the map to show us the way."
"The teacher pointed to the correct answer."
To aim or direct (something such as a weapon or camera).
/pɔɪnt/
To aim or direct something.
He pointed the gun and fired.
💡 Simply: When you line up something, like a camera, to show what you want to capture. You 'point' the camera at the subject!
👶 For kids: To move something so it's facing something else.
More Examples
The radar is pointed towards the sky.
They pointed the telescope at the stars.
How It's Used
"They pointed the cannons towards the enemy fort."
"The photographer pointed the camera at the subject."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to make a point
To express or emphasize an idea.
"She made a good point about the importance of safety."
on the point of
About to do something; on the verge of.
"I was on the point of leaving when the phone rang."
up to a point
To a certain extent, but not completely.
"I agree with him up to a point, but not entirely."
From Old French *poinct* (“dot, puncture”) and derived from Latin *pungere* (“to prick, pierce”). The meaning evolved from a sharp tip or object to a specific location, a direction, or a specific idea.
Historically used with the same core meanings, though early usage sometimes referred to a 'point' of armor or a sharp weapon tip.
Memory tip
Imagine a dot on a map; that's a point.
Word Origin
"to prick, pierce"