English Reference
noun · verb · interjection

point

n. · v. · interj.
US /ˈpɔɪnt/ UK /pˈɔɪnt/ point

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a single idea, opinion, or fact that someone says or writes.

    n.an individual unit of discourse; a specific argument or fact presented in a discussion.

    Simple

    You made a very good point during the meeting today.

    In context

    The speaker raised several valid points regarding the environmental impact of the new factory, though he failed to provide a solution.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the reason for doing something or the meaning of it.

    n.the underlying purpose, intent, or utility of an action or statement.

    Simple

    I don't see the point of waiting in line for three hours.

    In context

    Critics argued that there was little point in continuing the research if the initial hypothesis had already been proven false.

  3. 03 A1 Beginner Sport

    n.a unit used to count the score in a game or sport.

    n.a numerical unit used to track the score or standing in a competitive context.

    Simple

    The team won by only two points in the final minute.

    In context

    The league leader is currently five points ahead of their closest rival after a series of unexpected victories.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    n.the thin, sharp end of something like a pencil or a knife.

    n.the tapered or sharp extremity of an object.

    Simple

    The point of my pencil broke while I was writing.

    In context

    The climber carefully tested the point of his ice axe before shifting his weight onto the frozen ledge.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary Math

    n.the small dot used to separate whole numbers from parts of a number.

    n.the dot used to separate the integral part of a number from the fractional part in decimal notation.

    Simple

    The price is five point nine nine dollars.

    In context

    The calculation must be accurate to at least three decimal points to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    n.a particular place or a specific moment in time.

    n.a precise geographical location or a specific juncture in a process or period.

    Simple

    At this point in the movie, the hero finally escapes.

    In context

    The two hiking trails meet at a point overlooking the valley, providing a natural resting place for travelers.

  7. 07 A1 Beginner

    v.to show where something is by using your finger or an object.

    v.to indicate a direction or object by extending a finger or other pointer.

    Simple

    It is rude to point at people in the street.

    In context

    The witness was asked to point at the suspect in the courtroom to confirm the identification.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'at'.

  8. 08 B1 Intermediate

    v.to be aimed or turned toward a certain direction.

    v.to be oriented or directed toward a specific target or compass direction.

    Simple

    The signpost points toward the city center.

    In context

    The compass needle always points north, regardless of which way the hiker is actually walking.

  9. 09 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to suggest that something is likely to happen or is true.

    v.to indicate a likely outcome or suggest the truth of a particular conclusion.

    Simple

    All the evidence points to him being innocent.

    In context

    Recent economic indicators point toward a slow recovery in the housing market over the next fiscal year.

    Usage

    Often used with 'to' or 'towards'.

  10. 10 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    interj.you say this to show you understand or agree with someone's argument.

    interj.used to acknowledge the validity of an opponent's argument or a speaker's observation.

    Simple

    Point taken. I will try to be more careful next time.

    In context

    Point taken; however, we must still consider the budgetary constraints before approving the expansion.

Usage point of view · point in different · point in time

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated