point out
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
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.
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
- present and urge reasons in opposition
- point out carefully and clearly
- make or write a comment on
- he commented the paper of his colleague