Pointedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
pointedly
[หpษษชntษชdli ]
Definition
in a direct and emphatic manner
Pointedly means in a direct and emphatic manner, often with an intent to make a specific point or draw attention to something. It is used when someone communicates in a way that leaves no room for doubt or misunderstanding.
Synonyms
directly, emphatically, explicitly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pointedly |
Use this word when you want to describe an action or speech in a way that clearly shows a specific intention, often to criticize or make a strong point.
|
| emphatically |
This word is used to describe an action or speech that is done with emphasis or stress, often to show importance or strong feelings.
|
| directly |
This word is suitable when describing a straightforward or immediate manner of action or speech without any detours.
|
| explicitly |
Use this word when you need to describe a very clear and detailed manner of communication, often leaving no room for misunderstanding.
|
Examples of usage
- He looked at her pointedly, hoping she would understand his silent message.
- She spoke pointedly, emphasizing the importance of following the rules.
- The teacher pointedly reminded the students of the upcoming deadline.
- I could tell by the way she was staring at me so pointedly that she had something important to say.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Authors often use pointed remarks as a literary device to communicate a character's feelings or intentions without needing extra explanation.
- In plays and novels, dialogue delivered pointedly can reveal underlying tensions between characters, often leading to conflict or resolution.
Psychology
- Pointed communication can evoke strong emotional responses, as it often aims to challenge or confront the listener.
- Research shows that pointed comments can lead to defensiveness, making it important to consider tone and setting in conversations.
Pop Culture
- In comedy, pointed humor is often used to deliver sharp observations about society or relationships, making audiences think critically while they laugh.
- Famous talk show hosts frequently employ pointed questions to elicit candid answers from their guests, heightening viewer interest.
Rhetoric
- Pointedly phrased statements can serve as a powerful persuasive tool in speeches, effectively swaying opinions without ambiguity.
- Many successful politicians utilize pointed rhetoric to capture attention and emphasize key issues during debates and addresses.
Origin of 'pointedly'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Old French word 'pointรฉ', meaning 'sharp' or 'punctual', highlighting focus or emphasis.
- The word 'pointed' has been used since the 14th century, evolving to include the adverbial form in the 19th century.
The word 'pointedly' originated from the verb 'point' which comes from the Latin 'ponere' meaning 'to put, place'. Over time, 'pointedly' evolved to describe a manner of communicating in a direct and emphatic way, often to make a specific point or draw attention. The adverb 'pointedly' has been used in English language for centuries to convey a clear and focused message.
See also: counterpoint, midpoint, pinpoint, point, pointed, pointer, pointers, pointillism, pointillize, pointing, pointless, pointlessly, pointlessness, points, unpointed.