point · n
point (SHARP END)
B2 the thin, sharp end of something
Dictionary examples:
the point of a needle (34.7)
point (IMPORTANT OPINION)
B2 an opinion or fact that deserves to be considered seriously, or which other people agree is true
Dictionary examples:
"How are we going to get there if there are no trains?" - "Good point." (32.4)
"She's always complaining that the office is cold." - "Well, she's got a point." (35.5)
the point
B2 the most important part of what someone says or writes
Dictionary examples:
I thought he was never going to get to the point. (16.4)
I think she missed the point of what you were saying. (19.5)
The point is, if you don't claim the money now you might never get it. (33.8)
point (REASON)
B2 the reason for or purpose of something
Dictionary examples:
What's the point of studying if you can't get a job later? (26.9)
I'd try to explain to her how I feel but there's no point because she won't listen. (29.7)
There's no point in inviting her - she never comes to parties. (59.0)
point (TIME)
B2 a particular time or stage in an event or process
Dictionary examples:
At that point, a soldier opened fire. (20.5)
At one point, he seemed to completely forget what he was saying. (24.9)
It's got to the point where I can't bear to speak to him. (40.7)
point (QUALITY)
B2 a quality or ability which someone has
Dictionary examples:
Math was never my strong point. (18.0)
I know she's bossy but she has lots of good points. (37.5)
point (DIRECTION)
B2 one of the marks on a compass
Dictionary examples:
the points of the compass (48.7)
sb's strong point
C1 something that someone is very good at
Dictionary examples:
Cooking is not my strong point. (17.5)
point (QUALITY)
C2 a quality or ability which someone has
Dictionary examples:
I know she's bossy but she has lots of good points. (37.5)
point (DIRECTION)
C2 one of the marks on a compass
Dictionary examples:
the points of the compass (48.7)
be at/on the point of doing sth
B2 to be going to do something very soon
Dictionary examples:
I was at the point of walking out when he suddenly spoke to me. (27.9)
up to a point
B2 partly
Dictionary examples:
What he says is true up to a point. (19.6)
make a point of doing sth
C1 to be certain that you always do a particular thing
Dictionary examples:
He made a point of learning all the names of his staff. (22.6)
beside the point
C2 not important or not connected with what you are talking about
Dictionary examples:
The fact that he doesn't want to come is beside the point - he should have been invited. (46.8)
to the point
C2 If something someone says or writes is to the point, it expresses the most important things without extra details.
Dictionary examples:
His report was short and to the point. (21.0)
a sore point
C2 a subject that causes disagreement or makes people angry when it is discussed
Dictionary examples:
Money is a sore point with him at the moment. (36.7)
point (IDEA)
B1 an idea, opinion, or fact that someone says or writes
Dictionary examples:
His point about saving money by not buying food didn't quite add up. (0.0)
The teacher's point was clear: no more excuses about homework-eating dogs. (0.0)
The toddler's point in the debate was a loud 'No!' (0.0)
I take your point about cycling, but I still prefer to walk. (21.7)
Could I make a point about noise levels? (22.3)
He explained his point by drawing a diagram. (23.8)
I'd like to discuss the first point in your essay. (24.7)
point (SPORTS)
B1 a unit used for showing who is winning in a game or competition
Dictionary examples:
The clumsy team scored negative points, making them the champions of losing! (0.0)
The team got extra points for having the funniest hairstyles! (0.0)
The team lost points every time they accidentally scored in their own goal! (0.0)
With 3 games still to play, Manchester United is 5 points ahead. (24.9)
point (MATHEMATICS)
B2 the mark (.) that is used to separate the two parts of a decimal
Dictionary examples:
One mile equals one point six (1.6) kilometers. (41.8)