point of departure

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Explanation of "Point of Departure"

Definition: The term "point of departure" is a noun that refers to the starting point or beginning of a journey, project, or idea. It can be both a physical location where something starts, or a conceptual idea from which further thoughts or actions are developed.

Usage Instructions

1. Physical Context: Use "point of departure" when talking about a location where a trip or journey begins.
2. Conceptual Context: Use it when discussing the starting ideas or themes for a project, essay, or discussion.

Examples

1. Physical Example: "My point of departure for the hiking trip was the mountain trailhead."
2. Conceptual Example: "The point of departure for her research was the existing literature on climate change."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "point of departure" can be used in academic or professional discussions to describe a theoretical framework or a foundational idea upon which further analysis is built.

Word Variants

• Depart (verb): To leave or set off from a place.
• Departure (noun): The act of leaving, especially to start a journey.

Different Meanings

1. Physical Journey: A literal starting point for travel.
2. Conceptual Idea: An abstract starting point for discussions or projects.
3. Figurative Use: Can imply a significant change or shift in thinking or approach.

Synonyms

• Starting point
• Beginning
• Launching pad (figurative)
• Springboard (figurative)
• Jumping-off point (figurative)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Jumping-off point: Similar to "point of departure," it can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

  • Example: "Her presentation was a jumping-off point for a larger discussion on environmental policy."

• Set off: A phrasal verb meaning to start a journey.

  • Example: "We set off from the city at dawn."

Summary

The term "point of departure" is useful in both everyday conversation and more formal discussions. It helps to indicate where something begins, whether it be a physical journey or an intellectual exploration.

Academic

Noun

1. a beginning from which an enterprise is launched
   • he uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own
   • reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions
   • the point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out
2. a place from which an enterprise or expedition is launched
   • one day when I was at a suitable jumping-off place I decided to see if I could find him
   • my point of departure was San Francisco

Synonyms

• springboard
• jumping-off point
• jumping-off place