Definition

Verb: 1. To direct someone's attention to something by indicating or gesturing: To show or identify something specific, often by physically pointing or verbally highlighting it. 2. To state or mention a fact or opinion, especially one that is important or that someone may not have considered: To bring something to notice, to make an observation or remark.

Usage

The verb "point out" is used to highlight specific information, details, or physical objects. It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., "He pointed the mistake out" / "He pointed out the mistake").

Examples

1. Directing Attention:

   • The guide pointed out the ancient carvings on the temple wall.
   • Could you point out the manager in this photograph?
   • She pointed the exit out to me when I got lost.

2. Mentioning a Fact or Opinion:

   • I must point out that your conclusion is based on incomplete data.
   • The reviewer pointed out several errors in the report.
   • He pointed out how the two theories were fundamentally different.

Advanced Usage

• "to point someone out": To identify or indicate a specific person to others.
  • The witness pointed the suspect out in the police lineup.

Variants and Related Words

• Pointer (n): A piece of advice, a hint, or a stick used for pointing.
  • The professor gave us some good pointers for the exam.
• Pointed (adj): Direct and clear in meaning, often critical.
  • She made a pointed remark about his punctuality.

Synonyms

• Indicate: To show or signal.
• Identify: To recognize and name.
• Mention: To refer to something briefly.
• Note: To observe or remark upon.
• Highlight: To emphasize or make prominent.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Point to/towards: To suggest or be evidence that something is true or likely.
  • All the evidence points to a technical failure.
• Point up: To emphasize or make something more noticeable.
  • The crisis pointed up the weaknesses in the system.

Related Idioms

• Point the finger at (someone): To accuse or blame someone.
  • Instead of solving the problem, everyone just pointed the finger at each other.

Verb

1. present and urge reasons in opposition
2. point out carefully and clearly
3. make or write a comment on
   • he commented the paper of his colleague