Word
pointedly
Phoneticspoint·ed·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɔɪnədɫi/
UK/pˈɔɪntɪdli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“She pointedly ignored his rude comment.”
“The manager pointedly reminded the team of the deadline just as they were about to leave for the day.”
“The diplomat pointedly avoided answering the reporter's most sensitive questions, choosing instead to redirect the conversation toward the upcoming trade summit.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“He added, pointedly, that Seoul had declined to join the US and Israel’s war on Iran.” “I called diGenova and he said pointedly that “sometimes people want things done faster and that’s all you can do” .” Etymology
From pointed + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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