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point of departure

point of departure

1 4.5
An idea or fact used as a starting point for discussion and work
  • noun
  • /pɔɪnt əv dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/
translation icon : punto de partida
  • Nevertheless, the data are interesting as a point of departure.
  • take as our point of departure
  • a useful point of departure
  • serves as a point of departure

Examples

  • The results of the research can serve as a point of departure for other studies.

    Academic text (1990)

  • I have chosen to use Diderot as my point of departure for this study of Gengangere for several reasons.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The primary source is the point of departure for an instructional block.

    Academic text (1999)

  • For example, consumer and rent boycotts became, in some cases, the point of departure for mass movements.

    Academic text (1990)

  • For the sake of discussion, I want to propose an uncharacteristic point of departure.

    Academic text (1995)

  • I foresaw at the time that the Saint Olaf conference would be the point of departure for significant new developments.

    Academic text (1995)

  • However, particularly for pre-service professionals, the listing serves as a good point of departure for more in-depth analysis.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The study of the modes of narration regards story as a point of departure for the description of discourse phenomena.

    Academic text (1992)

  • For now, it suffices to observe that this foundational point of departure for Calvin's analysis is debatable.

    Academic text (2017)

  • The results of the research can serve as a point of departure for other studies.

Synonyms

start
vspoint of departure
∞ 1.0

The time or place when something begins

is the general base used to launch an activity or discussion
origin
vspoint of departure
228 2.7

The place where something begins, for example a country

is more about a base for action rather than the source of something
starting point
vspoint of departure
69 3.0

A place, time, or situation that people use as a basis for later action

is used broadly as the initial idea or basis for action
outset
vspoint of departure
64 3.9

The beginning of something, especially the first part

focuses more on serving as a basis rather than just the early time
springboard
vspoint of departure
12 4.2

A thing that helps someone start or grow a career

describes a plain starting place rather than something that propels progress
jumping-off point
vspoint of departure
7 4.2

A place, idea, or situation where new action begins

is more neutral, meaning any simple beginning rather than a launchpad
jump-off
vspoint of departure
  • US
4 4.1

The place or time where an event begins

is broader and also applies to ideas and times, not just events
jumping-off place
vspoint of departure
1 6.3

A place where someone starts a journey, project, or activity

covers both physical and abstract beginnings, not only launch locations
start-off
vspoint of departure
3.2

The first moment when a race or event begins

is broader, covering any initial idea, place, or time not only events

Antonyms

endpoint
11 5.4

A place or time when something ends

Surface Forms

point of departure singular
points of departure plural

Morphology

point + of + departure

The phrase combines 'point' (a specific position or stage) with 'departure' (the act of leaving), so the sense 'starting point' is directly derivable from the constituents with 'of' just linking them. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically (e.g. French 'point de départ', Spanish 'punto de partida'), so a B1 learner who knows the words will very likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

The phrase point of departure gives a simple picture: a point is where you start and departure is leaving from it, like the station where a trip begins. That's why people use it for the idea, report, or time that is used as the 'starting point' for a discussion or plan.