English Reference
Adverb

pointedly

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /ˈpɔɪnədɫi/ UK /pˈɔɪntɪdli/ point·ed·ly

adv.in a way that shows you are trying to make a specific point or show your feelings clearly. It often means you are being very direct or even a bit rude to get your message across.

adv.in a manner that emphasizes a specific point or intention, often with a degree of directness or sarcasm. Frequently used to describe speech or gestures intended to draw attention to a particular fact or to express disapproval.


SIMPLE

She pointedly ignored his rude comment.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager pointedly reminded the team of the deadline just as they were about to leave for the day.

COMPLEX

The diplomat pointedly avoided answering the reporter's most sensitive questions, choosing instead to redirect the conversation toward the upcoming trade summit.

He added, pointedly, that Seoul had declined to join the US and Israel’s war on Iran.

Al Jazeera· 20 Aug 2026

I called diGenova and he said pointedly that “sometimes people want things done faster and that’s all you can do” .

The Guardian· 11 Sept 2026

From pointed + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated