pinpoint
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to find or describe the exact reason for something or the exact place where it is.
v.to identify or locate someone or something with extreme accuracy. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“It was difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the engine started making that noise.”
In context“Forensic investigators worked for weeks to pinpoint the source of the leak within the complex network of underground pipes.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.very accurate or specific, especially when talking about a location.
adj.characterised by extreme precision or specific focus, particularly regarding spatial coordinates or diagnostic accuracy.
Simple“The pilot landed the helicopter with pinpoint accuracy on the small platform.”
In context“The surgeon operated with pinpoint precision, ensuring that the surrounding healthy tissue remained entirely undisturbed during the procedure.”
Antonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a very small dot or the sharp end of a pin.
n.the physical point of a pin, or figuratively, any infinitesimal point or tiny spot of light.
Simple“In the distance, we could see a tiny pinpoint of light from a lonely cabin.”
In context“The night sky was so clear that every star appeared as a sharp pinpoint against the deep velvet blackness.”
“The Trump administration delayed a rule last year that could have sped up the effort to pinpoint the source of the contamination.”
“But researchers are beginning to pinpoint what might actually help.”
From pin + point.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.