Definition

Verb: * To emphasize, highlight, or make something more noticeable or clear, especially by identifying or drawing specific attention to it.

Usage

The verb "point up" is used to indicate that something serves as a clear example or illustration of a particular issue, problem, or quality, thereby making it more prominent. It often implies that the subject acts as evidence or a demonstration.

Examples

• The recent crisis points up the need for better emergency planning.
• Her detailed analysis points up the flaws in the current economic model.
• The director used that scene to point up the main character's internal conflict.

Advanced Usage

• To point up a contrast/difference: To make a contrast or difference between two things very clear.
  • The two case studies are presented side-by-side to point up the contrast in outcomes.
• To point up the importance/seriousness of something: To underscore or highlight how important or serious something is.
  • The report points up the seriousness of the environmental threat.

Variants and Related Words

• Pointed (adj): Direct and clear in meaning, often used to describe a remark or comment that highlights something effectively.
  • She made a pointed observation about management's failure.
• Pointer (n): A piece of advice, a hint, or something that indicates a direction or fact.
  • The survey results give us some useful pointers.

Synonyms

• Emphasize
• Highlight
• Underscore
• Accentuate
• Illustrate
• Demonstrate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Point out: To direct someone's attention to a fact or detail. While similar, "point out" is more general and can be used for simple facts, whereas "point up" specifically means to emphasize or highlight, often an issue or problem.
  • He pointed out a typo in the document. (simple fact)
  • The scandal points up the need for transparency. (emphasizes an issue)

Verb

1. emphasize, especially by identification
   • This novel points up the racial problems in England