point
Word family
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++point1 /pɔɪnt/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 1 idea 想法 [countable]SUBJECT a single fact, idea, or opinion that is part of an argument or discussion 观点；论点 That’s a very interesting point. 那个观点很有趣。 She made some extremely good points. 她提出了一些很不错的观点。 There are three important points we must bear in mind. 有三个要点我们必须记住。 This brings me to my next point. 这样我就要讲到下一点了。point about I agree with John’s point about keeping the costs down. 我同意约翰关于维持低成本的观点。► see thesaurus at comment2 MAIN MEANING/IDEA 主要的意思/观点the point MEANINGthe most important fact or idea 要点，重点；中心意思，主要含义；核心问题 The point is, at least we’re all safely back home. 重要的是，至少我们都安全回家了。 Nobody knows exactly how it works. That’s the whole point. 没有人知道它到底是怎么工作的，这才是问题所在。 He may not have stolen the money himself, but that’s not the point. 他本人也许没偷那笔钱，不过那不是关键。 I wish you’d get to the point (=talk about the most important thing). 我希望你能切入正题。 I’ll come straight to the point (=talk about the most important thing first). 我就直奔主题了。 I need to find out who killed Alf, and more to the point (=what is more important) I need to do it before anyone else gets killed. 我得查出是谁杀了阿尔夫，更重要的是，得在其他人被害之前查出凶手。 We all like him, but that’s beside the point (=not the most important thing). 我们都喜欢他，不过这并不是最重要的。 I think you’ve missed the point (=you have not understood the most important thing). 我想你没听懂重点。3 purpose 目的 [uncountable]PURPOSE the purpose or aim of something 目的，意图 I suppose we could save one or two of the trees, but what’s the point? 我想我们可以拯救一两棵树，不过那有什么意义呢？point of What’s the point of this meeting anyway? 那么这次会议到底有什么意义？ The whole point of this legislation is to protect children. 这项立法旨在保护儿童。 There’s no point in worrying. 担心是没有用的。 We’re going to lose anyway, so I can’t see the point of playing. 不管怎么说我们都会输，我不明白去比赛还有什么意义。 I didn’t see the point in moving to London. 我不明白为什么要搬到伦敦去。4 place 地方 [countable]PLACE a particular place or position 地方，地点；位置 The accident happened at the point where the A15 joins the M1. 事故发生在A15公路和M1公路的交会处。 No cars are allowed beyond this point. 车辆不得越过此处。 a border crossing point 过境站 Cairo is a convenient departure point for tours. 开罗是外出旅游便捷的出发地。 Dover is a point of entry into Britain. 多佛尔是到英国的一个入境口。► see thesaurus at place5 in time/development 在时间上/在发展中 [countable]TIME/AT A PARTICULAR TIME an exact moment, time, or stage in the development of something 时候，时刻；〔发展的〕阶段；程度；地步6 quality/feature 特质/特点 [countable usually plural]CHARACTER OF somethingCHARACTER/PERSONALITY a particular quality or feature that something or someone has 特点，特质，特征7 games/sport 比赛/运动 [countable]DSDG one of the marks or numbers that shows your score in a game or sport 〔比赛或运动中的〕分数，得分8 
sharp end 尖的一端 [countable]END/POINT a sharp end of something 〔某物的〕尖（端）9 boiling point/freezing point/melting point etc LEVELthe temperature at which something boils, freezes, melts etc 沸点/凝固点/熔点等10 the point of no return CONTINUE/NOT STOPa stage in a process or activity when it becomes impossible to stop it or do something different 有进无退[欲罢不能]的地步11 point of departure an idea which you use to start a discussion 〔讨论的〕出发点12 be on the point of (doing) something SOONto be going to do something very soon 正要做某事13 up to a point PARTLYpartly, but not completely 在某种程度上14 to the point dealing only with the important subject or idea, and not including any unnecessary discussions 简明恰当的；简洁中肯的15 make a point of doing something DELIBERATELYto do something deliberately, even when it involves making a special effort 〔即使费力也〕特意做某事16 when/if it comes to the point British English used to talk about what happens when someone is in a difficult situation and has to make a difficult decision 必须作决定时17 in point of fact formal used when saying that something is true, although it may seem unlikely 实际上；其实18 not to put too fine a point on it especially British EnglishHONEST used when you are saying something in a very direct way 直言不讳地说，实话实说，说句老实话19. numbers 数字 [countable]HMN a sign (.) used to separate a whole number from any decimals that follow it 小数点20 measure on a scale 刻度单位 [countable]MEASURE a mark or measure on a scale 点；度21 small spot 小点 [countable]SMALL a very small spot of light or colour 〔极小的〕光点，色点22 direction 方向 [countable]DIRECTION one of the marks on a compass that shows direction 罗盘（方位）点23 piece of land 一块土地 [countable]SG a long thin piece of land that stretches out into the sea 尖岬，岬角24 electricity 电 [countable] British EnglishTEE a piece of plastic with holes in it which is attached to a wall and to which electrical equipment can be connected 插座25 RAILWAYS 铁路points [plural] British EnglishTTT a piece of railway track that can be moved to allow a train to cross over from one track to another 〔铁路上的〕道岔，转辙器 → pointe COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: a single fact, idea, or opinion that is part of an argument or discussion 观点；论点adjectivesa good point 很好的观点I think that’s a very good point. 我觉得这个观点很不错。an interesting point 有趣的观点He has made an interesting point. 他提出了一个有意思的观点。an important point 重要的观点That’s an important point to bear in mind. 那一点很重要,得记住。a serious point 严肃的观点He’s making a joke but there is a serious point there as well. 他在开玩笑,但其中也不无严肃的观点。a valid point 合理的观点She raised a number of valid points. 她提出了一些合理的意见。a general point 概括性观点I’d like to make one further general point. 我想再大致讲一点。a similar point 相似的观点nKevin Phillips made a similar point in his 1993 book, ‘Boiling Point’.the main point 主要观点nFinally, I will summarise the main points of this chapter.one final/last point 最终观点nThere is one final point I would like to make.verbsmake a point 提出观点He makes the point that predicting behaviour is not easy. 他提出,对行为作出预测并不容易。put/get your point across (=make people understand it) 使别人明白你的观点I think we got our point across. 我觉得我们已经阐明了观点。raise a point (=mention it) 提出观点I was going to raise that point. 我打算提出那一点。illustrate/demonstrate a point 说明观点A simple example will illustrate the point. 举个简单的例子就能说明这个观点。prove your/a point (=prove that what you say is right) 证明观点He was determined to prove his point. 他决心要证明自己的观点。understand a point 明白某一观点I’m sorry, I don’t understand your point. 很抱歉,我不明白你的意思。see/take/get somebody’s point (=understand or agree with it) 明白[同意]某人的观点OK, I take your point. But it’s not that easy. 嗯,我懂你的意思,但这没那么容易。have a point (=have made a good point) 某观点有道理Maybe she has a point. 也许她的意见有道理。labour the point British English, belabor the point American English (=keep saying something) 一再重复某一观点nI don’t wish to labour the point, but why didn’t you just tell me?nclarify a point (=make it clearer)Could you clarify a couple of points for me?phrasespoint taken (=used to say to someone that you accept what they say) 同意你的观点All right, point taken – I should have asked you first. 好吧,同意你的看法,我是应该先征求你的意见。the finer points of something (=the small details) 某事物的细节nI’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: nphrasesthe point is (that) ...The point is that going by bus would be a lot cheaper.that’s the (whole) pointThat’s the point. She didn’t tell us what was going on.that's not the pointWe'd earn a lot of money, but that's not the point.be beside the point (=be not the most important thing to consider)He's the best person for the job so his age is beside the point.more to the point (=what is more important)When did she leave, and, more to the point, why?verbsget/come (straight) to the point (=talk about the most important thing immediately) 我就直奔主题了。nI haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.nget the point (=understand it)He didn’t get the point at first.nmiss the point (=not understand it)I don't know why but Mel always seems to miss the point.n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 5: an exact moment, time, or stage in the development of something 时候，时刻；〔发展的〕阶段；程度；地步verbsreach a pointSome couples reach a point where divorce is the only solution.get to a pointYou get to the point where ordinary things like climbing stairs are difficult.mark a high/low/turning etc point (=be or happen at a particular time in the development of something)The day of the accident marked a turning point in Kenny’s life.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + pointa high pointWinning the World Championship was the high point of my career.a low pointShe helped me when I was at a low point in my life.a starting pointThe following recipes are a good starting point for making your own bread.a turning point (=the time when an important change starts, especially an improvement)A turning point in the history of the republic came in 1358.crisis point (=the point at which a situation becomes extremely serious)The tensions within the country have reached crisis point.breaking point (=a time when someone or something can no longer deal with something)Our resources are stretched to breaking point.bursting point (=a time when something is completely full)The hospital was full to bursting point.saturation point (=a time when no more can be added to something)Is the market for computer games reaching saturation point?phrasesat one point (=at a time in the past)At one point I was thinking of studying physics.at some pointOver half the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives.at this/that pointI’m not prepared at this point to make any decision.at this/that point in time formal (=used especially in official speeches, announcements etc)It would be wrong to comment at this point in time.to the point of something (=until a stage is reached or is near)British industry was driven to the point of collapse.there comes a point when/where ...There comes a point where you have to accept defeat. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 6: a particular quality or feature that something or someone has 特点，特质，特征adjectivesngood pointsEvery system has its good points and its drawbacks.nbad pointsWhat would you say are Natalie’s bad points?nsomebody’s strong point (=something that they are good at)Mathematics was never my strong point.nsomebody’s weak point (=something that they are not good at)Be honest about assessing your weak points.na plus point British English (=an advantage or good feature)The airline’s outstanding safety record is a major plus point.na positive pointUnderfloor heating has a lot of positive points.na negative pointA few negative points should be mentioned.na selling point (=a quality or feature that makes people want to buy something)The house's main selling point is its beautiful garden.the finer points of something (=small details about the qualities or features of something) 某事物的细节nI'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.n COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 7: one of the marks or numbers that shows your score in a game or sport 〔比赛或运动中的〕分数，得分verbsscore a point (=especially in games such as football, baseball, cricket etc)The Kiwis scored 206 points in their three matches.win a point (=especially in games such as tennis, where the ball goes back and forth between competitors)I didn't win a single point in my first few games.get a point informal (=score a point)Our aim is to get as many points as possible.lose a pointIf he’s got the answer wrong, he loses 250 points.give/award somebody a pointI was awarded 17 points out of 20.phraseswin/lose by 5/10 etc pointsWe only lost by two points.win/lose on points (=win or lose a fight because of the judges’ decision)He was knocked down twice, before losing on points.be level on points British English:The teams finished level on points. 5 FREQUENCY 使用频率
Examples from the Corpus
point• Steve Jones is 15 points ahead.• Reeves scored 23 points for Arizona.• In darts, you get 50 points for hitting the bullseye.• Damon Hill leads the Formula 1 Championship, with 58 points from 6 races.• Soon they came to a point where the road divided.• Line A crosses line B at point C.• His plan has both good and bad points.• Each point in the ratio meant 100,000 tons of capital ships, or the equivalent of about three battleships.• Almost everything has been agreed. There is just one final point that needs to be settled.• The market place was the growing point of most towns, and they have taken their shape around it.• Make a list of the main points in the article.• By mixing metals it is possible to make alloys which are tougher and have a lower melting point than the individual metals.• one point nine percent• This survey data is cross-section data taken from a sample of households at a particular point in time.• a pencil point• In other words, an increase in expected inflation of 5 percentage points shifts the Phillips curve upwards by 5 percentage points.• Michael's point about training is an interesting one.• It has small white flowers, and leaves that taper to a sharp point.• They are now 0-6 in games decided by six points or fewer.• Cicely makes six points, grabs four rebounds and finally seems to know what plays are being run.• In his speech, Marks made the point that far more people died from smoking tobacco than from taking drugs.• I can't see the point of travelling all that way and then only staying for one day.• "I'll come straight to the point, " said the doctor. "I think you are suffering from depression."• Ben carved his name in the tree trunk, using the point of his knife.• From this point on, to stop short will be difficult and frustrating.• How it got to this point is there was an investigation of a staff member abusing a child.• Exactly what point are you trying to make, Nick?what’s the point• I hate cigarettes anyway, what's the point?• Groups such as N-Joi and Altern 8 use dancers to give their performances a human feel, but what's the point?• I could tell him, but what's the point? He never listens to anyone.• But, quite frankly, what's the point?• I mean, what's the point?• No, what's the point?• There are far too many already, and all these minor ones, what's the point?• So what's the point of all this research?• So what's the point of us moving out?departure point• Travel from your chosen departure point at a time that suits you.• A number of independent coach companies offer a range of departure points and times throughout the London area.• Just check the code for your selected departure point against the panel below to find the departure and return Time Band applicable.• Commercial and cargo flights would be allowed as long as they were inspected at their departure points.• Our reservations staff will be pleased to quote alternative departure times, departure points and routes on request.• You can choose your departure point from our massive range of flights and airports on page 10-13 of the main brochure. reached ... point• Over a series of dives, Skorupka eventually reached a point some 420 metres from base at 30 metres depth.• Few sites that I visited had reached a point where they clearly would survive if these extra start-up funds disappeared.• Sontag is certainly right that in our time human thought has reached a point of excruciating complexity.• They have reached a point in their drama when they need factual information, they want to get it right.• We have reached a point where the way ahead seems to have petered out.• Last year he reached a point when he knew he had to stop.• We have, however, reached a point at which family functions can no longer be taken for granted.• We've reached a point where we don't have enough money to continue all our services.the finer points• The agonized hand-wringing about internationalism and the finer points of world politics were thrust aside.• Though Pilger was a committed left-winger, he was lacking the finer points of the new feminist-influenced Right-On etiquette.• It hasn't learned this behaviour; it was born with it, though it gradually learns the finer points.• His elucidation of the finer points of betting is also excellent.• To begin the evening Laurent Perrier will conduct a champagne tasting, educating us all on the finer points in choosing champagne.• Sometimes they were right, news crews rarely had the time or the inclination to pursue the finer points.• They're just the people to spot the finer points of ornithology, are they?• Looking back, I can not imagine that I understood the finer points of the contract M. Chaillot placed before me.win ... point• Thirteen times, the Cardinal won by 15 points or more.• He won points from some for delivering his speech amid the disruptions.• But the head in question did succeed in winning this point.• It was United's first league win and their points of the new season.• Whitaker will throw enough punches to win on points.• Val Walton won by a point. points of light• The records are even finer grained than that: cold, bump, points of light, waiting.• At the same time one should look for points of light in the darkness.• The count suddenly stiffened, his midnight-black eyes narrowing to glittering points of light, and Maggie knew the game was up.• For most people in the line it was firing at leaves or points of light.• The glow from a thousand points of light seems less reliable than that from the lightbulbs of a well-financed bureaucracy.• On close examination, tiny points of light can be seen bouncing in a random zig-zag motion.• A beautiful silver starfish, with points of light all over its body, sapphire and rose-pink and silver.• The ocean tilted up to meet him, its dark surface studded with points of light that looked like constellations, fallen stars.ldoce_737_zpoint2 ●●● S2 W2 verb 1 show STH with your finger 用手指指某物 [intransitive, transitive]POINT AT to show something to someone by holding up one of your fingers or a thin object towards it 〔用手指或细的物体〕指，指向2 aim STH 瞄准某物 [transitive always + adverb/preposition]POINT AT to hold something so that it is aimed towards a person or thing 用〔某物〕对准〔某人或某物〕，使指向3 face in one direction 面对一个方向 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]SHOOT to face or be aimed in a particular direction 面向，对着4 show SB where to go 为某人指示方向 [transitive always + adverb/preposition]POINT AT to show someone which direction they should go in 为〔某人〕指方向[指路]5 suggest what SB should do 建议某人做何事 [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest what someone should do 建议，为…指路 6 suggest that STH is true 暗示某事为真 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest that something is true 暗示，表明7. walls/buildings 墙壁/建筑物 [transitive] British EnglishTBB to put new cement between the bricks of a wall 〔用水泥〕抹〔砖缝〕，勾〔缝〕8. point your toes APDto stretch the ends of your feet downwards 绷直脚尖9 point the/a finger at somebody BLAMEto blame someone or say that they have done something wrong 指责某人，责怪某人10 point the way 11 point something ↔ out phrasal verb 12 point to something phrasal verb MENTIONto mention something because you think it is important 提到〔认为重要的事〕13 point something ↔ up phrasal verb formal EMPHASIZEto make something seem more important or more noticeable 强调，突出；清楚地表明→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
point• Children are taught that it's rude to point.• "Look, '' she said, pointing at a vase in a shop window.• The comment was pointed at du Cann.• The teacher pointed at Marcus and told him to come to the front of the class.• Babies learn to point before they learn to talk.• A handmade sign for the party pointed down a dirt road.• Could you point me in the right direction?• Then the rod-man screamed, arm pointing straight ahead at the surf.• They were crowded together in a corner, their tails pointing the same way.• It will be time to go when the big hand points to 12 and the little hand points to 8.• "That's Margo's bouquet, on the table.'' Mother pointed to a massive bunch of spring flowers.• Winston points to airline deregulation as case in point.• He rested the handle on the hair between her legs, the blade pointing up towards her abdomen.• So when he followed up by pointing us towards the touchline, I got the shock of my life.• Don't point your finger at me.point at• She pointed at my plate and asked why I wasn't eating.point something at somebody/something• The man pointed the gun at her head.point to/towards• Later I discovered she was only pointing to an overflow culvert.• There were no intellectual points to be scored, no intense undergraduate conversations, no pretensions.• Peabody pointed to Grafton, which was chosen by Marvin Windows as the site for a factory.• You could, as Karl Marx and others did, point to inequities in the distribution of wealth and indict capitalism.• Larry slept on a cot in grubby clothes but made it a point to shave every day.• She made it a point to tell people as little about herself as possible.• It teaches wariness and points to the danger of narcissism.• It doesn't mean that the problem is solved, but there's a starting point to work from.point ... in the direction of• Upright at opposite ends of a turbulent field, they point woodenly in the direction of hope.• I have time to discuss only one lexical myth: this is the signpost which points us in the direction of precision.• He asked the first policeman he saw the way to London University and was pointed in the direction of the Strand.• Historically, the Black Virgin cult seems to point in the direction of two alternatives in particular.• Keep your right elbow pointing in the direction of your right hip as shown.point ... in the right direction• If you are going somewhere then you have to know where you are going in order to point in the right direction.• It also assumes that existing people are already capable and only need pointing in the right direction.• Yet it's a remarkably basic skill to master once you've been pointed in the right direction.point to/towards• Later I discovered she was only pointing to an overflow culvert.• There were no intellectual points to be scored, no intense undergraduate conversations, no pretensions.• Peabody pointed to Grafton, which was chosen by Marvin Windows as the site for a factory.• You could, as Karl Marx and others did, point to inequities in the distribution of wealth and indict capitalism.• Larry slept on a cot in grubby clothes but made it a point to shave every day.• She made it a point to tell people as little about herself as possible.• It teaches wariness and points to the danger of narcissism.• It doesn't mean that the problem is solved, but there's a starting point to work from.From Longman Business Dictionarypointpoint1 /pɔɪnt/ noun [countable]1a single idea, opinion, or fact, especially one that is part of a plan, argument, or discussionThat’s a very interesting point.I agree with your point about the importance of safety.He made the point that economic growth would create the wealth necessary to protect the environment.2a level on a scaleGas prices have reached their highest point so far this year.The president’s approval rating has hit its lowest point.3the point the main idea in something that is said or done which gives meaning to all of itThe point is that staff are not allowed to smoke in the building.Have I completely missed the point (=failed to understand the main meaning of something)?4one of a series of parts into which a meeting, plan etc is dividedWhat’s the first point on the agenda?The corporation announced a five-point plan for overhauling its businesses.5FINANCE a unit of measure used in INDEXES (=series of figures giving the general level of financial markets, economic activity etc)The Financial Times 30 Share Index closed up 11 points at 1659.5. 6a place or positionYour luggage will be searched at thepoint of departure.Visas cannot be issued at the entry points along the border.7an exact moment, time, or stage in the development or progress of somethingIt is too early to tell whether last month’s increase marks a turning point (=a time when a situation changes) for the company.The economy seems to be moving to the point of no return (=the point where it becomes so bad it cannot recover).8a unit used to measure how good someone or something is or how suitable they are for somethingThe details you give are assessed according to a points system.9a particular quality or feature that something or someone hasFinance has never been his strong point.Every system has its good points and its drawbacks.10spoken a sign (.) used to separate a whole number from any DECIMALs that follow it → see also bullet pointpointpoint2 verb1point the finger (at somebody) to blame someone for somethingTo minimise his sentence, he pointed the finger at people he had dealt with.2point the way to show how something could change or develop successfullyThe article summarises the current law and points the way forward. → point something ↔ out → point to something → point to/towards something → point something ↔ up→ See Verb tableOrigin point1 (1200-1300) Partly from Old French point “small hole or spot, point in time or space”, from Latin punctum, from pungere ( → PUNGENT); partly from Old French pointe “sharp end”, from Vulgar Latin puncta, from Latin pungerepoint1 noun →10-25 →20-25
→COLLOCATIONS1 →COLLOCATIONS2 →n COLLOCATIONS3 →COLLOCATIONS4
→n COLLOCATIONS5 →5 FREQUENCY1point2 verbLDOCE OnlineChinese
→COLLOCATIONS1 →COLLOCATIONS2 →n COLLOCATIONS3 →COLLOCATIONS4
→n COLLOCATIONS5 →5 FREQUENCY1point2 verbLDOCE OnlineChinese
idea, single opinion Corpus a or fact, Business
point
point1 S1 W1 /pɔɪnt/ 
noun
That’s a very interesting point.
She made some extremely good points.
There are three important points we must bear in mind.
This brings me to my next point.
point about
I agree with John’s point about keeping the costs down.
2. MAIN MEANING/IDEA the point the most important fact or idea:
The point is , at least we’re all safely back home.
Nobody knows exactly how it works. That’s the whole point.
He may not have stolen the money himself, but that’s not the point.
I wish you’d get to the point (=talk about the most important thing).
I’ll come straight to the point (=talk about the most important thing first).
I need to find out who killed Alf, and more to the point (=what is more important) I need to do it before anyone else gets killed.
We all like him, but that’s beside the point (=not the most important thing).
I think you’ve missed the point (=you have not understood the most important thing).
3. PURPOSE [uncountable] the purpose or aim of something:
I suppose we could save one or two of the trees, but what’s the point?
point of
What’s the point of this meeting anyway?
The whole point of this legislation is to protect children.
There’s no point in worrying.
We’re going to lose anyway, so I can’t see the point of playing.
I didn’t see the point in moving to London.
4. PLACE [countable] a particular place or position:
The accident happened at the point where the A15 joins the M1.
No cars are allowed beyond this point.
a border crossing point
Cairo is a convenient departure point for tours.
Dover is a point of entry into Britain.
5. IN TIME/DEVELOPMENT [countable] an exact moment, time, or stage in the development of something:
I had reached a point in my career where I needed to decide which way to go.
She had got to the point where she felt that she could not take any more.
Their win over old rivals Manchester United was the high point (=best part) in their season.
Sales reached a low point in 1996.
We will take last week’s riots as a starting point for our discussion.
At one point , I thought he was going to burst into tears.
Maybe at this point we should move onto some of the practical experiments.
At that point , I was still living at home and had no job.
You will probably sell the car at some point in the future.
It is impossible to give a definite answer at this point in time.
Some children are bullied to the point of suicide (=until they reach this stage).
6. QUALITY/FEATURE [countable usually plural] a particular quality or feature that something or someone has
sb’s/sth’s good/bad points
Sometimes she had to remind herself of his good points.
point of
They would spend hours discussing the finer points (=small details about qualities and features) of various cars.
The low price is one of its main selling points (=features that will help to sell it).
Driving was not one of Baxter’s strong points.
One of the club’s plus points is that it is central.
There were some weak points in his argument.
7. GAMES/SPORT [countable] one of the marks or numbers that shows your score in a game or sport:
He is three points behind the leader.
Leeds United are now six points clear at the top of the table.
She had to win this point.
You get three points for a win and one point for a draw.
You lose a point if you do not complete the puzzle on time.
The fight went the full fifteen rounds, and in the end the American won on points.
8.
SHARP END .nbsp;[countable] a sharp end of something:
the sharp point of a spear
9. boiling point/freezing point/melting point etc the temperature at which something boils, freezes, melts etc:
Heat the water until it reaches boiling point.
10. the point of no return a stage in a process or activity when it becomes impossible to stop it or do something different
reach/pass the point of no return
I was aware that we had passed the point of no return.
11. point of departure an idea which you use to start a discussion:
He takes the idea of personal freedom as his point of departure.
12. be on the point of (doing) something to be going to do something very soon:
I was on the point of giving up the search when something caught my eye in the bushes.
The country’s economy is on the point of collapse.
13. up to a point partly, but not completely:
I agree with you up to a point.
That is true, but only up to a point.
14. to the point dealing only with the important subject or idea, and not including any unnecessary discussions:
Her comments were brief and to the point.
15. make a point of doing something to do something deliberately, even when it involves making a special effort:
He made a point of spending Saturdays with his children.
I always make a point of being early.
16. when/if it comes to the point British English used to talk about what happens when someone is in a difficult situation and has to make a difficult decision:
I’m sure that if it came to the point, he would do what is expected of him.
17. in point of fact formal used when saying that something is true, although it may seem unlikely:
We were assured that the prisoners were being well treated, when in point of fact they were living in terrible conditions.
18. not to put too fine a point on it especially British English used when you are saying something in a very direct way:
She’s lying, not to put too fine a point on it.
19. NUMBERS [countable] a sign (.) used to separate a whole number from any decimals that follow it
20. MEASURE ON A SCALE [countable] a mark or measure on a scale:
The stock market has fallen by over 200 points in the last week.
21. SMALL SPOT [countable] a very small spot of light or colour:
The stars shone like points of light in the sky.
22. DIRECTION [countable] one of the marks on a compass that shows direction:
Soldiers were advancing on us from all points of the compass.
23. PIECE OF LAND [countable] a long thin piece of land that stretches out into the sea:
We sailed round the point into a small, sheltered bay.
24. ELECTRICITY [countable] British English a piece of plastic with holes in it which is attached to a wall and to which electrical equipment can be connected:
a telephone point
an electrical point
25. RAILWAYS points [plural] British English a piece of railway track that can be moved to allow a train to cross over from one track to another:
The train rattled over the points.
⇨ pointe
■ adjectives
▪a good point I think that’s a very good point.
▪an interesting point He has made an interesting point.
▪an important point That’s an important point to bear in mind.
▪a serious point He’s making a joke but there is a serious point there as well.
▪a valid point She raised a number of valid points.
▪a general point I’d like to make one further general point.
▪a similar point Kevin Phillips made a similar point in his 1993 book, ‘Boiling Point’.
▪the main point Finally, I will summarise the main points of this chapter.
▪one final/last point There is one final point I would like to make.
■ verbs
▪make a point He makes the point that predicting behaviour is not easy.
▪put/get your point across (=make people understand it) I think we got our point across.
▪raise a point (=mention it) I was going to raise that point.
▪illustrate/demonstrate a point A simple example will illustrate the point.
▪prove your/a point (=prove that what you say is right) He was determined to prove his point.
▪understand a point I’m sorry, I don’t understand your point.
▪see/take/get sb’s point (=understand or agree with it) OK, I take your point. But it’s not that easy.
▪have a point (=have made a good point) Maybe she has a point.
▪labour the point British English, belabor the point American English (=keep saying something) I don’t wish to labour the point, but why didn’t you just tell me?
▪clarify a point (=make it clearer) Could you clarify a couple of points for me?
■ phrases
▪point taken (=used to say to someone that you accept what they say) All right, point taken – I should have asked you first.
▪the finer points of something (=the small details) I’m afraid I don’t understand the finer points of the game.
■ phrases
▪the point is (that) ... The point is that going by bus would be a lot cheaper.
▪that’s the (whole) point That’s the point. She didn’t tell us what was going on.
▪that's not the point We'd earn a lot of money, but that's not the point.
▪be beside the point (=be not the most important thing to consider) He's the best person for the job so his age is beside the point.
▪more to the point (=what is more important) When did she leave, and, more to the point, why?
■ verbs
▪get/come (straight) to the point (=talk about the most important thing immediately) I haven't got much time so let's get straight to the point.
▪get the point (=understand it) He didn’t get the point at first.
▪miss the point (=not understand it) I don't know why but Mel always seems to miss the point.
■ verbs
▪reach a point Some couples reach a point where divorce is the only solution.
▪get to a point You get to the point where ordinary things like climbing stairs are difficult.
▪mark a high/low/turning etc point (=be or happen at a particular time in the development of something) The day of the accident marked a turning point in Kenny’s life.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + point
▪a high point Winning the World Championship was the high point of my career.
▪a low point She helped me when I was at a low point in my life.
▪a starting point The following recipes are a good starting point for making your own bread.
▪a turning point (=the time when an important change starts, especially an improvement) A turning point in the history of the republic came in 1358.
▪crisis point (=the point at which a situation becomes extremely serious) The tensions within the country have reached crisis point.
▪breaking point (=a time when someone or something can no longer deal with something) Our resources are stretched to breaking point.
▪bursting point (=a time when something is completely full) The hospital was full to bursting point.
▪saturation point (=a time when no more can be added to something) Is the market for computer games reaching saturation point?
■ phrases
▪at one point (=at a time in the past) At one point I was thinking of studying physics.
▪at some point Over half the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives.
▪at this/that point I’m not prepared at this point to make any decision.
▪at this/that point in time formal (=used especially in official speeches, announcements etc) It would be wrong to comment at this point in time.
▪to the point of something (=until a stage is reached or is near) British industry was driven to the point of collapse.
▪there comes a point when ... There comes a point where you have to accept defeat.
■ adjectives
▪good points Every system has its good points and its drawbacks.
▪bad points What would you say are Natalie’s bad points?
▪sb’s strong point (=something that they are good at) Mathematics was never my strong point.
▪sb’s weak point (=something that they are not good at) Be honest about assessing your weak points.
▪a plus point British English (=an advantage or good feature) The airline’s outstanding safety record is a major plus point.
▪a positive point Underfloor heating has a lot of positive points.
▪a negative point A few negative points should be mentioned.
▪a selling point (=a quality or feature that makes people want to buy something) The house's main selling point is its beautiful garden.
▪the finer points of something (=small details about the qualities or features of something) I'm afraid I'm not interested in the finer points of cars.
■ verbs
▪score a point (=especially in games such as football, baseball, cricket etc) The Kiwis scored 206 points in their three matches.
▪win a point (=especially in games such as tennis, where the ball goes back and forth between competitors) I didn't win a single point in my first few games.
▪get a point informal (=score a point) Our aim is to get as many points as possible.
▪lose a point If he’s got the answer wrong, he loses 250 points.
▪give/award somebody a point I was awarded 17 points out of 20.
■ phrases
▪win/lose by 5/10 etc points We only lost by two points.
▪win/lose on points (=win or lose a fight because of the judges’ decision) He was knocked down twice, before losing on points.
▪be level on points BrE: The teams finished level on points.
point2 S2 W2 verb
‘Look__’ she said and pointed.
point at
I could see him pointing at me and telling the other guests what I had said.
point to/towards
She was pointing to a small boat that was approaching the shore.
point with
The driver pointed with his whip.
She pointed in the direction of the car park.
He stood up and pointed his finger at me.
2. AIM SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to hold something so that it is aimed towards a person or thing
point something at somebody/something
He stood up and pointed his gun at the prisoner.
She produced a camera and pointed it at me.
3. FACE IN ONE DIRECTION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to face or be aimed in a particular direction:
The arrow always points north.
There were flashlights all around us, pointing in all directions.
point at
There were TV cameras pointing at us.
point to/towards
The hands of the clock pointed to a quarter past one.
We found footprints pointing towards the back door.
4. SHOW SOMEBODY WHERE TO GO [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to show someone which direction they should go in:
She pointed me towards an armchair.
Could you point me in the direction of the bathroom, please?
5. SUGGEST WHAT SOMEBODY SHOULD DO [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest what someone should do:
My teachers were all pointing me towards university.
A financial adviser should be able to point you in the right direction.
6. SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest that something is true:
Everything seemed to point in one direction.
point to/towards
All the evidence pointed towards Blake as the murderer.
Everything points to her having died from a drugs overdose.
7. WALLS/BUILDINGS [transitive] British English to put new cement between the bricks of a wall
8. point your toes to stretch the ends of your feet downwards
9. point the/a finger at somebody to blame someone or say that they have done something wrong:
I knew that they would point the finger at me.
I don’t want to point a finger of blame at anyone.
10. point the way
a. to show the direction that something is in
point the way to/towards
An old-fashioned signpost pointed the way to the restaurant.
b. to show how something could change or develop successfully
point the way forward/forwards
This report points the way forward for the water industry.
point the way to/towards
a government paper which points the way towards reform
point something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. to tell someone something that they did not already know or had not thought about:
He was always very keen to point out my mistakes.
The murder was obviously well planned, as the inspector had pointed out.
point out that
Some economists have pointed out that low inflation is not necessarily a good thing.
point something out to somebody
Thank you for pointing this out to me.
2. to show something to someone by pointing at it:
Luke pointed out two large birds by the water’s edge.
point somebody/something out to somebody
I’ll point him out to you if we see him.
point to something phrasal verb
to mention something because you think it is important:
Many politicians have pointed to the need for a written constitution.
point something ↔ up phrasal verb formal
to make something seem more important or more noticeable:
These cases point up the complete incompetence of some government departments.
▪ lead to take a person or animal somewhere by going in front of them while they follow, or by pulling them gently: Rachel led Jo into the kitchen. | She was leading a horse, which seemed to have a bad leg.
▪take to take someone somewhere with you when you have the transport, know the way, are paying etc: I took her to see a film. | Matt’s taking me in his car.
▪guide to take someone through or to a place you know, showing them the way: Ali guided us through the streets to his house on the edge of the town.
▪show to take someone to a place such as a table in a restaurant or a hotel room and leave them there: A waitress showed us to our table. | We were shown to our seats near the front of the theatre.
▪point to show someone which direction to go using your hand or a sign: The sign back there pointed this way.
▪escort to take someone somewhere, protecting them, guarding them, or showing them the way: He was escorted from the court by police. | The President’s car will be escorted by a military convoy.
▪usher to show someone the way to a room or building nearby, usually as part of your job: His housekeeper ushered us into the living room.
▪shepherd to carefully take someone somewhere – used especially about a group of people: The police shepherded thousands of people to safety in the cathedral.
▪direct formal to tell someone where to go or how to get somewhere: He directed us to a cafe a few blocks away. | Can you direct me to the station?
| I |
noun Word Family: noun: point, pointer, pointlessness; adjective: pointed, pointy, pointless; adverb: pointlessly, pointedly; verb: point
Date: 1200-1300
Origin: Partly from Old French point 'small hole or spot, point in time or space', from Latin punctum, from pungere ( ⇨ pungent); partly from Old French pointe 'sharp end', from Vulgar Latin puncta, from Latin pungere
1. IDEA [countable] a single fact, idea, or opinion that is part of an argument or discussion:Origin: Partly from Old French point 'small hole or spot, point in time or space', from Latin punctum, from pungere ( ⇨ pungent); partly from Old French pointe 'sharp end', from Vulgar Latin puncta, from Latin pungere
point about
2. MAIN MEANING/IDEA the point the most important fact or idea:
3. PURPOSE [uncountable] the purpose or aim of something:
point of
4. PLACE [countable] a particular place or position:
5. IN TIME/DEVELOPMENT [countable] an exact moment, time, or stage in the development of something:
6. QUALITY/FEATURE [countable usually plural] a particular quality or feature that something or someone has
sb’s/sth’s good/bad points
point of
7. GAMES/SPORT [countable] one of the marks or numbers that shows your score in a game or sport:
8.
SHARP END .nbsp;[countable] a sharp end of something:
9. boiling point/freezing point/melting point etc the temperature at which something boils, freezes, melts etc:
10. the point of no return a stage in a process or activity when it becomes impossible to stop it or do something different
reach/pass the point of no return
11. point of departure an idea which you use to start a discussion:
12. be on the point of (doing) something to be going to do something very soon:
13. up to a point partly, but not completely:
14. to the point dealing only with the important subject or idea, and not including any unnecessary discussions:
15. make a point of doing something to do something deliberately, even when it involves making a special effort:
16. when/if it comes to the point British English used to talk about what happens when someone is in a difficult situation and has to make a difficult decision:
17. in point of fact formal used when saying that something is true, although it may seem unlikely:
18. not to put too fine a point on it especially British English used when you are saying something in a very direct way:
19. NUMBERS [countable] a sign (.) used to separate a whole number from any decimals that follow it
20. MEASURE ON A SCALE [countable] a mark or measure on a scale:
21. SMALL SPOT [countable] a very small spot of light or colour:
22. DIRECTION [countable] one of the marks on a compass that shows direction:
23. PIECE OF LAND [countable] a long thin piece of land that stretches out into the sea:
24. ELECTRICITY [countable] British English a piece of plastic with holes in it which is attached to a wall and to which electrical equipment can be connected:
25. RAILWAYS points [plural] British English a piece of railway track that can be moved to allow a train to cross over from one track to another:
⇨ pointe
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| II |
verb Word Family: noun: point, pointer, pointlessness; adjective: pointed, pointy, pointless; adverb: pointlessly, pointedly; verb: point
1. SHOW SOMETHING WITH YOUR FINGER [intransitive and transitive] to show something to someone by holding up one of your fingers or a thin object towards it: point at
point to/towards
point with
2. AIM SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to hold something so that it is aimed towards a person or thing
point something at somebody/something
3. FACE IN ONE DIRECTION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to face or be aimed in a particular direction:
point at
point to/towards
4. SHOW SOMEBODY WHERE TO GO [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to show someone which direction they should go in:
5. SUGGEST WHAT SOMEBODY SHOULD DO [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest what someone should do:
6. SUGGEST THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to suggest that something is true:
point to/towards
7. WALLS/BUILDINGS [transitive] British English to put new cement between the bricks of a wall
8. point your toes to stretch the ends of your feet downwards
9. point the/a finger at somebody to blame someone or say that they have done something wrong:
10. point the way
a. to show the direction that something is in
point the way to/towards
b. to show how something could change or develop successfully
point the way forward/forwards
point the way to/towards
point something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. to tell someone something that they did not already know or had not thought about:
point out that
point something out to somebody
2. to show something to someone by pointing at it:
point somebody/something out to somebody
point to something phrasal verb
to mention something because you think it is important:
point something ↔ up phrasal verb formal
to make something seem more important or more noticeable:
| THESAURUS |
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usually
purpose what sth is supposed to achieve; what sb is trying to achieve 指目的、目标 ：◆ Our campaign's main purpose is to raise money. 我们这次活动的主要目的是募款。 aim what sb is trying to achieve; what sth is supposed to achieve 指目标、目的 ：◆ She went to London with the aim of finding a job. 她去伦敦是为了找工作。 ◆ Our main aim is to increase sales in Europe. 我们的主要目标是增加在欧洲的销售量。
purpose or aim? 用 purpose 还是 aim？
intention what you intend to do 指打算、计划、意图 ：◆ I have no intention of going to the wedding. 我无意去参加婚礼。 ◆ She's full of good intentions but they rarely work out.她虽然处处出于善意，却很少行的通。 plan what you intend to do or achieve 指计划、打算 ：◆ There are no plans to build new offices. 现在没有建新办公楼的计划。
intention or plan? 用 intention 还是 plan？
point ( the purpose or aim of sthrather
指意图、目的、理由 ：◆ What's the point of all this violence?这些暴行的意图何在？ ◆ The point of the lesson is to compare the two countries. 本课的目的是比较这两个国家。 idea ( the purpose of sth; sb's aimrather
指目的、意图 ：◆ The whole idea of going was so that we could meet her new boyfriend. 我们去的唯一目的就是要见她的新男朋友。 ◆ What's the idea behind this?这背后的意图是什么？
point or idea? 用 point 还是 idea？
Patterns
with the purpose/aim/intention/ideaof doing sthsb's intention/plan to do sth to have a(n) purpose/aim/intention/plan/pointto achieve/fulfil a(n) purpose/aim
place a particular point, area, city, town, building, etc., especially one used for a particular purpose or where a particular thing happens 指有特定用途或事情发生的地点、场所、城镇、建筑物、地方 ：◆ This would be a good place for a picnic. 这可是个野餐的好地方。 site the place where sth, especially a building, is or will be situated; a place where sth happened or that is used for a particular purpose 尤指建筑物的地点、位置，事情发生或有特定用途的地点、场所 ：◆ They've chosen a site for the new school. 他们为新学校选了校址。 area a part of a room, building or particular space that is used for a special purpose; a particular place on an object 指（房间、建筑物、处所内划为某用途的）地方、场地，物体上的区、部位 ：◆ the hotel reception area 旅馆接待处 ◆ Move the cursor to a blank area on the screen. 把光标移至电脑屏幕的空白区。 position the place where a person or thing is situated; the place where sb/sth is meant to be 指位置、方位、恰当的位置 ：◆ From his position at the top of the hill, he could see the harbour. 他在山头那个位置可以俯瞰海港。 NOTE Theposition of sb/sth is often temporary: the place where sb/sth is at a particular time.* position 指人／物所处的位置常常是暂时性的，即在某段时间所在的位置。 point a particular place within an area, where sth happens or is supposed to happen 指某事发生或将要发生的地点、某个地方 ：◆ the point at which the river divides 河流分岔点 location a place where sth happens or exists, especially a place that is not named or not known 指事情发生或存在的地方、地点、位置，尤指无名或鲜为人知的地方 ：◆ The company is moving to a new location. 公司准备迁移新址。 scene a place where sth happens, especially sth unpleasant 尤指不愉快事件发生的地点、现场 ：◆ the scene of the accident 事故现场 spot a particular point or area, especially one that has a particular character or where sth particular happens 尤指具有某种特点或某一事件发生的地点、场所 ：◆ The lake is one of the local beauty spots .这个湖是当地的一个风景点。 venue the place where people meet for an organized event such as a performance or sports event 指演出、体育比赛等的聚会地点、场馆、会场
Patterns
at a place/site/position/point/location/scene/spot/venuein a(n) place/area/position/location/venuethe place/site/point/location/spot/venue where… the right place/site/position/location/spot/venuea central site/position/location/venuethe/sb's/sth's exact/precise place/site/position/point/location/spot
Giving examples 举例
◆ The website has a variety of interactive exercises ( e.g. matching games, crosswords and quizzes).这个网站有各种各样的互动练习（比如：配对游戏、纵横填字游戏和智力测试）。 ◆ The website has a variety of interactive exercises, including matching games, crosswords and quizzes.这个网站有各种各样的互动练习，包括配对游戏、纵横填字游戏和智力测试。 ◆ Web 2.0 technologies, such as wikis, blogs and social networking sites, have changed the way that people use the Internet.* Web 2.0 技术，比如维基、博客及社交网站，改变了人们使用互联网的方式。 ◆ Many websites now allow users to contribute information. A good example of this is the 'wiki', a type of website that anyone can edit.现在许多网站都允许用户撰写信息。维基就是一个很好的例子，它是一种任何人都可以编辑的网站。 ◆ Wikis vary in how open they are. For example , some wikis allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.各维基网的开放程度不同。比如，有些维基网允许任何人编辑内容，另一些则只允许注册用户进行内容编辑。 ◆ Wikis vary in how open they are. Some wikis, for example /for instance , allow anybody to edit content, while others only allow registered users to do this.各维基网的开放程度不同。比如，有些维基网允许任何人编辑内容，另一些则只允许注册用户进行内容编辑。 ◆ More and more people read their news on the Internet. To take one example, over 14 million people now read the online version of 'The Oxford Herald'.越来越多的人在网上阅读新闻。举个例子来说，现在有超过 1 400 万人阅读《牛津先驱报》的网络版。 ◆ Online newspapers are now more popular than paper ones. 'The Oxford Herald' is a case in point . Its print circulation has fallen in recent years, while its website attracts millions of users every month.现在，网络报纸比纸质报纸更受欢迎。《牛津先驱报》就是一个很好的例子。近年来，其印刷版发行量趋于减少，但其网站每个月却吸引上千万的用户。
Verbs for reporting an opinion 陈述观点的动词
◆ Some critics argue that Picasso remained a great master all his life.一些评论家认为毕加索毕生都是一位大师。 ◆ Others maintain that there is a significant deterioration in quality in his post-war work.其他人坚称他战后的作品质量明显下降。 ◆ Picasso himself claimed that good art is created, but great art is stolen.毕加索自己声称，好的艺术是创造出来的，伟大的艺术却是偷来的。 ◆ As Smithhas noted , Picasso borrowed imagery from African art.正如史密斯所述，毕加索借用了非洲艺术的意象。 ◆ As the authorpoints out , Picasso borrowed imagery from African art.正如作者指出的那样，毕加索借用了非洲艺术的意象。 ◆ The writer challenges the notion that Picasso's sculpture was secondary to his painting.作者对这种观点表示质疑，即毕加索的雕塑不及他的绘画。 ◆ It has been suggested that Picasso's painting was influenced by jazz music.据说毕加索的绘画受到爵士乐的影响。