Pointed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
pointed
[หpษษชntษชd ]
Definitions
in a specific direction
Having a sharp or tapering tip, used for piercing or stabbing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pointed |
Used to describe objects that have a sharp end that can puncture or poke. Also used to describe comments or remarks that are direct and critical.
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| sharp |
Used to describe objects with a fine edge that can cut easily. It can also describe senses or intelligence that are keen and quick. Sometimes indicates a sudden or distinct change.
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| tapered |
Used to describe objects that gradually become narrower towards one end.
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| acute |
Used to describe conditions or situations that are intense and severe. It can also be used in a mathematical or medical context to describe specific angles or health conditions.
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Examples of usage
- The knife had a pointed blade.
- She gave him a pointed look.
- The cat's ears were pointed.
- The arrow had a pointed tip.
expressed clearly and directly
Stated or expressed in a direct and unambiguous way.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pointed |
Used to describe speech or writing that is sharp, clear, and often critical. This word usually carries a negative connotation.
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| direct |
Typically used to describe communication that is straightforward and to the point, without any ambiguity. It is neutral and generally positive in tone.
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| explicit |
This word is used to indicate that something is stated in a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for confusion. Often used in more formal contexts.
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| blunt |
Used when describing a way of speaking that is straightforward and lacks tact or sensitivity. This can sometimes be perceived as rude or harsh.
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Examples of usage
- He made a pointed remark about her behavior.
- She made a pointed criticism of the government.
- The article contained several pointed observations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art and Design
- Artists frequently use pointed shapes to direct the viewer's focus in paintings and sculptures.
- This term is common in graphic design, where pointed elements can create visual tension or dynamism.
- Pointed features in architecture are often designed to draw the eye upward, symbolizing aspiration or spirituality.
Psychology
- Pointed communication can signify assertiveness, as in a direct gaze or a pointed comment.
- In body language, a pointed gesture often conveys strong emotions or emphasizes a point in conversation.
- Research shows that pointed cues, like eyebrow movements, can enhance persuasion in interpersonal interactions.
Literature
- Authors often use pointed dialogue to convey characters' disagreements or conflicts, enhancing the narrative tension.
- In poetry, pointed imagery can evoke strong emotions or create vivid mental pictures for readers.
- A protagonist might have a pointed personality, indicating they are direct and unafraid to speak their mind.
Science
- In biology, pointed structures can be adaptations for survival, like thorny plants that deter herbivores.
- Pointed tools, like needles, play crucial roles in various scientific disciplines, including medicine and engineering.
- The pointed shape of certain crystals can affect how they interact with light and sound in various applications.
Origin of 'pointed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'pointรฉ', meaning finished or made sharp.
- It is derived from the Latin 'punctus', which means a dot or a point.
- Historically, the word has evolved from describing physical shapes to also depicting emotions or expressions.
The word 'pointed' originates from the verb 'point', which comes from the Latin 'punctum' meaning 'a point'. The adjective 'pointed' has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something with a sharp or tapering tip. Over time, its usage has expanded to include the sense of being expressed clearly and directly.
See also: counterpoint, midpoint, pinpoint, point, pointedly, pointer, pointers, pointillism, pointillize, pointing, pointless, pointlessly, pointlessness, points, unpointed.