pointing

A teacher is pointing at a word on the chalkboard.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of aiming or directing attention: "pointing" refers to the action of extending a finger or object to indicate direction, location, or attention.
   • A punctuation mark or diacritic: In writing, "pointing" can mean the insertion of dots or marks, such as in punctuation or vowel marks (e.g., in Hebrew or Arabic scripts).
   • The process of filling joints in masonry: In construction, "pointing" is the technique of applying mortar to the joints between bricks or stones for structural and aesthetic purposes.

2. Verb (present participle of "point"):

   • To indicate or direct: The action of showing something by extending a finger or an object.
   • To aim or orient: To direct something, like a weapon or a camera, toward a target.
   • To fill joints with mortar: The ongoing act of applying mortar to masonry joints.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The pointing of the dog's nose toward the bird was clear. (The act of directing attention.)
  • The manuscript's pointing was incorrect, causing confusion. (Punctuation or diacritical marks.)
  • The pointing on the old wall needs repair. (Mortar in brick joints.)

• Verb:

  • She is pointing at the map to show the route. (Indicating with a finger.)
  • He is pointing the camera at the sunset. (Aiming a device.)
  • The mason is pointing the brickwork carefully. (Applying mortar.)

Advanced Usage

• "Pointing device": A tool (e.g., a mouse or stylus) used to control a cursor on a computer screen.

  • The mouse is a common pointing device. (A tool for input.)

• "Pointing the finger": To accuse or blame someone.

  • Stop pointing the finger at me; I didn't break the vase. (Blaming.)

• "Pointing the way": To show the direction or method to achieve something.

  • His research is pointing the way to a cure. (Indicating a path or solution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pointer (noun): a device or person that points; a helpful hint.

  • The pointer on the map showed the correct location. (An indicator.)

• Pointless (adj): having no purpose or meaning.

  • The argument was pointless and led nowhere. (Without purpose.)

Synonyms

• Indicating: showing or suggesting something.
• Directing: guiding or aiming toward a target.
• Aiming: pointing a weapon or instrument at a target.

Phrasal Verbs

• Point out: to draw attention to something.

  • She pointed out the error in the report. (Highlighted or mentioned.)

• Point to/toward: to indicate or suggest.

  • The evidence points to his guilt. (Suggests or implies.)

Related Idioms

• Point of no return: a critical point at which one cannot reverse a decision.

  • We have passed the point of no return in our journey. (Irreversible stage.)

• Point the finger at: to accuse someone.

  • They pointed the finger at the treasurer for the missing funds. (Blamed.)