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point · noun /pɔɪnt/Full view
Nouns: point, pointer
Adjectives: pointy, pointed, pointless
Verbs: point
Adverbs: pointlessly, pointedly
point (IDEA)
B1 C an idea, opinion, or fact that someone says or writes
Dictionary examples:

I'd like to discuss the first point in your essay.

He explained his point by drawing a diagram.

Could I make a point about noise levels?

I take your point about cycling, but I still prefer to walk.

Learner example:

Tomorrow I have another class exactly at the time of your class. I can't miss that class because it's a physics class. I know I may miss many important points but I promise you [I will] get the best mark (result) in the next exam. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

point (SPORTS)
B1 C a unit used for showing who is winning in a game or competition
Dictionary example:

With 3 games still to play, Manchester United is 5 points ahead.

Learner example:

We were losing [by] 1 point, I ca[ught] the ball and tried to throw it to my partner but... (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

point (SHARP END)
B2 C the thin, sharp end of something
Dictionary example:

the point of a needle

point (IMPORTANT OPINION)
B2 no plural an opinion or fact that deserves to be considered seriously, or which other people agree is true
Dictionary examples:

"She's always complaining that the office is cold." - "Well, she's got a point."

"How are we going to get there if there are no trains?" - "Good point."

Learner example:

First of all, in your picture you can reveal the style of life of teenagers (I think it is a good point). (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

the point
B2 the most important part of what someone says or writes
Dictionary examples:

The point is, if you don't claim the money now you might never get it.

I think she missed the point of what you were saying.

I thought he was never going to get to the point.

Learner example:

I'm in a hurry, so I will come directly to the point. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

point (REASON)
B2 no plural the reason for or purpose of something
Dictionary examples:

I'd try to explain to her how I feel but there's no point because she won't listen.

There's no point in inviting her - she never comes to parties.

What's the point of studying if you can't get a job later?

Learner example:

Obviously, there is no point in saying "famous people have a right to their own live[s]." (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

point (TIME)
B2 C a particular time or stage in an event or process
Dictionary examples:

At one point, he seemed to completely forget what he was saying.

At that point, a soldier opened fire.

It's got to the point where I can't bear to speak to him.

Learner example:

At that point, my tour finished and I returned home. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

point (QUALITY)
B2 C a quality or ability which someone has
Dictionary examples:

I know she's bossy but she has lots of good points.

Math was never my strong point.

Learner example:

I saw my life pass[ing] in front of me and reali[z]ed that climbing is not my strongest point. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

point (MATHEMATICS)
B2 C the mark (.) that is used to separate the two parts of a decimal
Dictionary example:

One mile equals one point six (1.6) kilometers.

point (DIRECTION)
B2 C one of the marks on a compass
Dictionary example:

the points of the compass

sb's strong point
C1 something that someone is very good at
Dictionary example:

Cooking is not my strong point.

Learner example:

She's got a lot of strong points, more than weaknesses. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

point (QUALITY)
C2 C a quality or ability which someone has
Dictionary example:

I know she's bossy but she has lots of good points.

Learner example:

"I wonder why Mr Co put up with her?" Ku mumbled. "But I suppose she had her good points." (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

point (DIRECTION)
C2 C one of the marks on a compass
Dictionary example:

the points of the compass

Learner example:

In the summer time, people come from all the points of [the] compass to have a vacation here. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

be at/on the point of doing sth
B2 to be going to do something very soon
Dictionary example:

I was at the point of walking out when he suddenly spoke to me.

Learner example:

In fact he simulated his death to escape from the police, who were on the point of catching him for [his] penicillin racket. (First Certificate in English; B2; Lao)

up to a point
B2 partly
Dictionary example:

What he says is true up to a point.

Learner example:

I agree up to a point with the statement give[n], but if the journalists [di]dn't follow them, people wouldn't know [so] much about them. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

make a point of doing sth
C1 to be certain that you always do a particular thing
Dictionary example:

He made a point of learning all the names of his staff.

Learner example:

I was not expecting to meet him that night, because I thought he would be busy and not have time to talk to anyone, but being so special as he is, he made a point of talking to everybody. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

beside the point
C2 not important or not connected with what you are talking about
Dictionary example:

The fact that he doesn't want to come is beside the point - he should have been invited.

to the point
C2 If something someone says or writes is to the point, it expresses the most important things without extra details.
Dictionary example:

His report was short and to the point.

a sore point
C2 a subject that causes disagreement or makes people angry when it is discussed
Dictionary example:

Money is a sore point with him at the moment.

Learner example:

Although it is not a new phenomenon, it is more common - and a sore point - in our Society that, old people live alone and without any help. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

point · verb /pɔɪnt/
Nouns: point, pointer
Adjectives: pointy, pointed, pointless
Verbs: point
Adverbs: pointlessly, pointedly
point (SHOW)
A2 I to show where someone or something is by holding your finger or a thin object toward it
Dictionary example:

She pointed at/to a bird flying overhead.

Learner example:

Everybody was pointing at me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

point (AIM)
B1 T to hold something so that it faces toward someone or something
Dictionary example:

He said that the man had pointed a knife at him.

Learner example:

As he got closer, one of the group's members, Paul, pointed a rifle at him. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

point (DIRECTION)
B1 I If something points in a particular direction, it is turned toward that direction.
Dictionary examples:

The street sign points left.

There was an arrow pointing to the door.

point out sth or point sth out
B2 to tell someone about some information, often because they do not know it or have forgotten it
Dictionary examples:

He was planning a rock-climbing trip, till I pointed out that Carla is afraid of heights.

I feel I should point out how dangerous it is.

Learner example:

I would like to point out some incorrect information. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

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