# point /ˈpɔɪnt/ (US) · /pˈɔɪnt/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/point Updated: 2026-08-15 ## Senses ### 1. an idea or opinion noun · CEFR A2 a single idea, opinion, or fact that someone says or writes. For teachers: an individual unit of discourse; a specific argument or fact presented in a discussion. - You made a very good point during the meeting today. - The speaker raised several valid points regarding the environmental impact of the new factory, though he failed to provide a solution. ### 2. purpose or meaning noun · CEFR B1 the reason for doing something or the meaning of it. For teachers: the underlying purpose, intent, or utility of an action or statement. - I don't see the point of waiting in line for three hours. - Critics argued that there was little point in continuing the research if the initial hypothesis had already been proven false. ### 3. score in a game noun · CEFR A1 a unit used to count the score in a game or sport. For teachers: a numerical unit used to track the score or standing in a competitive context. - The team won by only two points in the final minute. - The league leader is currently five points ahead of their closest rival after a series of unexpected victories. ### 4. sharp end noun · CEFR A2 the thin, sharp end of something like a pencil or a knife. For teachers: the tapered or sharp extremity of an object. - The point of my pencil broke while I was writing. - The climber carefully tested the point of his ice axe before shifting his weight onto the frozen ledge. ### 5. decimal mark noun · CEFR A2 the small dot used to separate whole numbers from parts of a number. For teachers: the dot used to separate the integral part of a number from the fractional part in decimal notation. - The price is five point nine nine dollars. - The calculation must be accurate to at least three decimal points to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. ### 6. specific place or time noun · CEFR B1 a particular place or a specific moment in time. For teachers: a precise geographical location or a specific juncture in a process or period. - At this point in the movie, the hero finally escapes. - The two hiking trails meet at a point overlooking the valley, providing a natural resting place for travelers. ### 7. to show with a finger verb · CEFR A1 to show where something is by using your finger or an object. For teachers: to indicate a direction or object by extending a finger or other pointer. - It is rude to point at people in the street. - The witness was asked to point at the suspect in the courtroom to confirm the identification. Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'at'. ### 8. to face a direction verb · CEFR B1 to be aimed or turned toward a certain direction. For teachers: to be oriented or directed toward a specific target or compass direction. - The signpost points toward the city center. - The compass needle always points north, regardless of which way the hiker is actually walking. ### 9. to suggest a result verb · CEFR B2 to suggest that something is likely to happen or is true. For teachers: to indicate a likely outcome or suggest the truth of a particular conclusion. - All the evidence points to him being innocent. - 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. I agree interjection · CEFR B2 · Informal you say this to show you understand or agree with someone's argument. For teachers: used to acknowledge the validity of an opponent's argument or a speaker's observation. - Point taken. I will try to be more careful next time. - Point taken; however, we must still consider the budgetary constraints before approving the expansion. ## Examples - That is a very interesting point. - Her main point was that the company needs to invest more in training new employees. - While the author's historical data is sound, his central point about economic causality is weakened by a failure to consider the social context of the period he describes. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.