ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pointing

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈpɔɪntɪŋ// UK //pˈɔɪntɪŋ// point·ing

v. to use your finger or a tool to show someone where something is. You do this to help people look at a specific object or direction.

v. to extend a finger or an object toward a specific person, place, or thing to indicate its location or to draw attention to it. Often used with the preposition 'at' or 'to'.


SIMPLE

She is pointing at the map on the wall.

CONTEXTUAL

The tour guide spent the afternoon pointing at various historical landmarks while explaining their significance to the group.

COMPLEX

By pointing toward the subtle brushstrokes in the corner of the canvas, the instructor demonstrated how the artist directed the viewer's eye toward the central figure.

Synonyms
Origin

From point + -ing.

Usage

The verb is often followed by the preposition 'at' (for a specific target) or 'to/toward' (for a general direction).

Pitfall

He is pointing the mountain.He is pointing at the mountain.When indicating a location, the verb requires a preposition like 'at' or 'to' before the object.

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