point-blank

/'pɔint'biæɳk/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
point-blank

The detective asked the suspect point-blank about his alibi.

Definition

  1. Adjective:

    • At very close range: Describing a shot fired from a gun at a target so close that it requires little or no elevation of the barrel for the projectile to hit.
    • Direct and blunt in manner: Characterized by a manner of speaking or acting that is straightforward, without subtlety, evasion, or hesitation.

  2. Adverb:

    • In a direct, blunt manner: Speaking or acting in a way that is straightforward and unequivocal, without any attempt to soften the message.
    • From a very close range: Firing a weapon at a target from a very short distance.
Examples of Usage
  • Adjective:
    • The victim was killed by a point-blank gunshot to the head.
    • She made a point-blank refusal to participate in the scheme.
  • Adverb:
    • I asked him point-blank if he had taken the money.
    • The officer fired point-blank at the assailant.
Advanced Usage
  • "point-blank range": A distance so short that a weapon can be aimed directly at its target without adjusting for bullet drop.
    • The hostage was executed at point-blank range.
  • "a point-blank question": A question that is asked directly and bluntly, expecting a straightforward answer.
    • The journalist's point-blank question left the politician flustered.
Variants and Related Words
  • Blunt (adj): Direct and uncompromising in speech, sometimes to the point of rudeness.
  • Forthright (adj): Direct and outspoken; straightforward.
  • Candid (adj): Truthful and straightforward; frank.
  • Plainspoken (adj): Speaking in a simple, direct manner.
Synonyms
  • Directly
  • Bluntly
  • Flatly (as in "refused flatly")
  • Straightforwardly
  • Unreservedly
Related Phrases
  • To refuse point-blank: To reject something in an absolute, direct, and unequivocal manner.
    • He refused point-blank to apologize.
  • To tell someone point-blank: To inform someone of something in a very direct and unambiguous way.
    • She told him point-blank that his work was unacceptable.
Related Idioms
  • Straight from the shoulder: (Idiom) Speaking in a direct, honest, and forceful way. This idiom shares the sense of blunt directness with "point-blank."
    • His criticism was always straight from the shoulder.
point-blank

The detective asked the suspect point-blank about his alibi.

Adjective
  1. close enough to go straight to the target
    • point-blank range
    • a point-blank shot
  2. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
    • blunt talking and straight shooting
    • a blunt New England farmer
    • I gave them my candid opinion
    • forthright criticism
    • a forthright approach to the problem
    • tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank
    • it is possible to be outspoken without being rude
    • plainspoken and to the point
    • a point-blank accusation
Adverb
  1. in a direct and unequivocal manner
    • I asked him point-blank whether he wanted the job

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