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pointedly

pointedly

21 5.5
In a way that shows something clearly on purpose
  • adverb
  • /ˈpɔɪntɪdli/
translation icon : deliberadamente
  • She addressed the issue pointedly, making it clear that changes were necessary.
  • more pointedly
  • even more pointedly
  • pointedly ask

I didn't want to do the stuff that was, that was, you know, pointedly mean.

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Examples

  • And this can play out in friendships, workplaces, but most pointedly in intimate relationships.

  • So will you," he said pointedly, "unless, of course, you'd prefer an English prison.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Then you have to throw in lots of other stuff, most pointedly gender.

  • The death of Jesus is thus very pointedly not something needed by God or God's honor.

    Academic text (2001)
  • And I am most pointedly delighted to see you, Miss Julie.

  • A couple of men smiled at her, but she pointedly looked away.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • They spoke of the ways they had changed and grown, but more pointedly, they spoke of how the world seemed to have changed around them.

  • Gary Murray comes up next to her, looking at his watch pointedly: she's late for class.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Ross nodded as she looked pointedly at the watch on her wrist.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Or would it be more instructive to ask, pointedly: Whose interests does this media self-censorship serve?

    Academic text (2001)

Synonyms

obviously
vspointedly
1.0

In a way that is easy to see or understand

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
clearly
vspointedly
1.0

In a way that leaves no doubt

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
deliberately
vspointedly
320 3.7

To do something on purpose and with care

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
evidently
vspointedly
185 3.5

It is clear from facts or signs

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
distinctly
vspointedly
76 3.2

In a way that is clear and easy to notice

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
purposely
vspointedly
72 3.5

To do something on purpose

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
overtly
vspointedly
36 3.7

In an open and public way

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
expressly
vspointedly
33 4.4

In a way that is for a clear, specific purpose

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
noticeably
vspointedly
30 2.8

In a way that is easy to see or recognize

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
patently
vspointedly
25 5.6

Clearly easy to see or understand

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
conspicuously
vspointedly
16 5.3

In a way that is easy to see or notice

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
unmistakably
vspointedly
13 4.1

In a very clear way that people cannot mistake

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
manifestly
vspointedly
  • Formal
9 5.6

In a way that is very clear to everyone

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
glaringly
vspointedly
7 4.8

In a way that is very obvious and often unpleasant

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
plainly
vspointedly
2 1.8

In a simple way without decoration

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
meaningly
vspointedly
1 7.3

In a way that shows a person wants to say something without words

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
unsubtly
vspointedly
1 5.9

In a very obvious, blunt way that leaves nothing hidden

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
advertently
vspointedly
  • Formal
8.2

Carefully and on purpose

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something
indicatively
vspointedly
5.7

Showing something clearly with a movement like a nod

acts on purpose to make others see or realize something

Antonyms

78 4.2

In a way that does not say something clearly, often by a hint or through someone else

48 5.1

In a way that is not obvious or easy to notice

How Direct

bluntly
40 4.6
pointedly
21 5.5
subtly
48 5.1
indirectly
78 4.2

Surface Forms

pointedly positive

Morphology

pointedly = pointed (transparent) = point + ed + ly

The adverb is formed by adding -ly to the adjective 'pointed', so the meaning 'in a deliberate or emphatic way' is directly derived.

Etymology

Pointedly comes from point, which is like the 'sharp end' of something or the act of pointing with a finger to show something. So to act pointedly is to give a clear, sharp sign 'on purpose' to make something obvious.