pointing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “pointing” mean?
The action or gesture of directing one's finger or an object towards something to indicate direction or position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or gesture of directing one's finger or an object towards something to indicate direction or position.
The act or process of aiming, directing attention, or indicating something; also refers to the mortar between bricks in masonry, or the finishing of these joints.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Masonry sense is more common in UK professional discourse. The gesture sense is universal.
Connotations
UK usage may more readily evoke the building trade in certain contexts.
Frequency
Gesture sense is high frequency in both. Masonry sense is low frequency, slightly more common in UK.
Grammar
How to Use “pointing” in a Sentence
pointing at [object]pointing to [object/location]pointing out [fact/feature]pointing towards [direction/idea]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pointing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was pointing at the map.
- The sign is pointing the wrong way.
American English
- She was pointing toward the exit.
- All the evidence is pointing to his involvement.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as standard adverb. Rare/archaic use like 'look pointing upwards'.
American English
- Not applicable as standard adverb. Rare/archaic use like 'look pointing upwards'.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a pointing gesture.
- The pointing dog remained still.
American English
- He used a pointing finger to emphasise his words.
- The pointing arrow on the screen was confusing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The market analysis is pointing towards a shift in consumer preferences."
Academic
"The author's argument is pointing to a flaw in the established theory."
Everyday
"She got upset at his rude pointing."
Technical
"The brickwork requires repointing to prevent water ingress."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pointing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pointing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pointing”
- Using 'pointing on' instead of 'pointing at/to' (preposition error).
- Confusing the noun 'pointing' (gesture) with the continuous verb form 'is pointing'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Pointing directly at a person with a finger is often considered impolite in many cultures. It's better to use an open hand or a nod.
'Pointing at' is more direct and literal (physically aiming at an object). 'Pointing to' can be more metaphorical, indicating evidence or a direction ('The data points to a conclusion').
In the JSON, 'pointing' is shown as the present participle/gerund of the verb 'point'. It functions verbally in continuous tenses (e.g., 'He is pointing').
Both derive from the idea of a 'point' or tip. In masonry, it refers to the finishing of the joints (the 'points' or ends of the mortar), shaping them to a point or smooth finish.
The action or gesture of directing one's finger or an object towards something to indicate direction or position.
Pointing is usually neutral to formal in register.
Pointing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “finger-pointing (blaming)”
- “pointing the finger at someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a POINTed finger INdicating a G (gesture/ground). POINT + ING = the act of making a point.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS A POINTER (e.g., 'all signs are pointing to success'), ACCUSATION IS A POINTED WEAPON.
Practice
Quiz
In a building context, what does 'pointing' refer to?