point

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An idea or fact that someone wants to express in an argument or discussion.

   That's a good point, and I agree with you.

2. 2
   noun

   The purpose or reason for doing something.

   What is the point of discussing it now?

3. 3
   noun

   The sharp, thin end of an object.

   I stuck the point of the knife into the wood.

4. 4
   noun

   A particular feature or quality of someone or something.

   I know my good points as well as my bad ones.

5. 5
   noun

   An exact place or position.

   At this point the river is very narrow.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Point ultimately comes from Latin punctum, “a small hole made by pricking,” from pungere “to pierce or prick.” From the original idea of a puncture or tiny mark developed senses such as a precise place, moment, unit, or significant detail.

From Middle English poynt, from Old French point m (“dot; minute amount”), from Latin pūnctum (“a hole punched in; a point, puncture”), substantive use of pūnctus m, perfect passive participle of pungō (“to prick, punch”); alternatively, from Old French pointe f (“sharp tip”), from Latin pūncta f (past participle), all from Proto-Italic *pungō (“to sting, prick”). Mostly displaced native Middle English ord (“point”), from Old English ord (“point”). Doublet of pointe, ponto, puncto, punctum, punt, and punto.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary