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Glite Dictionary
to point out

to point out

∞ 1.8
To tell someone about something important or show it to them
  • phrasal verb
  • /pɔɪnt aʊt/
translation icon : señalar
  • The teacher took a moment to point out the mistakes in the student's essay.
  • important to point out
  • point out the similarity
  • also point out

Use your hands and point out, can you see me?

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Examples

  • Finally, older adults are also more likely to point out salient landmarks than turns.

    Academic text (2017)

  • So let me just point out the data, right?

  • But it's hard to really point out any particular problems.

  • And the other thing I want to point out to you guys real quick is.

  • Couple of things to point out about this view.

  • I will be sure to point it out.

    Cinderella Man (2005)

  • Most articles on this topic point out the obvious need for good writing skills.

    Academic text (2011)

  • But first, I just wanted to point out that you're welcome.

    WVFRM Podcast

  • I would like to point out a number of tricks employed by the so-called doctor.

    Late Night with the Devil (2024)

  • At the deepest part of the cave complex, Pedersen points out an area of flat soil.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

to show
vsto point out
∞ 1.0

To point out where something or someone is

focuses on careful, clear indication rather than general indication
to note
vsto point out
951 1.6

To say or write something to make people notice it

gives careful, clear indication rather than a brief mention
to indicate
vsto point out
434 3.1

Point to a place, person, direction or thing

draws careful attention to something rather than only showing it briefly
to emphasize
vsto point out
  • US
397 3.7

To show that something is very important

points to something carefully and clearly rather than highlighting importance
to highlight
vsto point out
340 3.3

To emphasize something so it stands out as important

identifies something with clear indication rather than stressing importance
to call out
vsto point out
152 3.5

To say something loudly so people can hear

indicates something carefully and clearly rather than calling for loud notice
to bring out
vsto point out
76 3.0

Make a quality or detail easier to notice

draws careful, clear attention to something rather than enhancing features
to draw attention
vsto point out
71 2.5

To make people notice something or someone

steers precise attention to a specific thing rather than broad attraction
to call attention
vsto point out
29 2.9

To make people notice something important

directs careful, clear attention to something rather than general notice
to point up
vsto point out
3 4.7

Make something stand out as important

marks something carefully and clearly rather than mainly stressing it

Antonyms

to ignore
∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to overlook
243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

How Clearly

to emphasize
  • US
397 3.7
to point out
∞ 1.8
to suggest
∞ 1.6
to mention
∞ 1.0
to hint
136 2.0

Surface Forms

point out infinitive
pointing out present participle
points out third person singular
pointed out past
pointed out past participle

Morphology

point + out

The verb 'point' already means to show or direct attention, and the particle 'out' contributes a sense of making something visible or explicit; combined they yield 'indicate clearly' which is directly derivable from the parts. This verb+particle compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically familiar, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Point out comes from the simple image of someone using a finger or a stick to point at something out in front of others so everyone can see it. So when you 'point out' something you are 'drawing attention to it' or 'showing it clearly'.