Point out

Meaning

The idiom "point out" means to draw attention to something, often by indicating it with a gesture or word. It can also mean to make a noticeable change or difference, to emphasize an important point or feature, or to highlight an error or mistake.

Usage

• The teacher pointed out the capital of France on the map. (literal meaning)
• My friend pointed out the flaws in my argument. (figurative meaning)
• They pointed out the changes made to the product after customer feedback. (literal meaning)
• She pointed out the importance of exercise for mental health. (figurative meaning)
• The error was pointed out by a colleague at the meeting. (literal meaning)

Roots and History

The idiom "point out" has been used in English since the 16th century, with earlier variations such as "to point" or "to indicate." Its origins can be traced back to Old French "poindre," which means "to touch with the tip of something." Over time, the idiom's meaning has remained relatively consistent, although its usage may vary depending on context.

Synonyms in English

• Draw attention to
• Highlight
• Emphasize
• Make a point of
• Call out

Synonyms in other languages

• Enhacer la visibilidad (Spanish) - to enhance visibility
• Mentionner (French) - to mention
• Smertiti (Swedish) - to ignore
• Verdener i det hele (Norwegian) - to draw attention to everything
• 箭指 (Japanese) - to indicate or point with the finger

Similar Idioms

• crystal clear

• pat on the back

• as busy as a bee