point out

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From point and out. Instead of pointing to a particular thing, the term implies pointing to one particular thing out of several similar things, or to a thing in a scene where it might not be readily seen.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Verb[edit]

point out (third-person singular simple present points out, present participle pointing out, simple past and past participle pointed out)

  1. (transitive, idiomatic) To identify among a group of similar subjects, or in a scene where the subject might not be readily seen or noticed, with a gesture of the body.
    He pointed out the little brown bird in the tree.
    She pointed out the two drummers in the class.
  2. (figurative, idiomatic) To tell, remind, indicate.
    I would just like to point out that we need to finish our meeting by 9 o'clock.
    • 1962 May, G. Freeman Allen, “Traffic control on the Great Northern Line”, in Modern Railways, page 343:
      As a Hitchin signalman once pointed out to me, when a regulating quandary arises concerning a fast-moving Class A train there is no time to consult Control and get their answer before the express is on one's doorstep.

Translations[edit]

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Anagrams[edit]

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