repoint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical (construction), occasionally formal.
Quick answer
What does “repoint” mean?
To repair the mortar between the bricks or stones of a wall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To repair the mortar between the bricks or stones of a wall.
To renew or refresh the external appearance or structural joints of a masonry surface. Can be used metaphorically to mean revising or clarifying the finer details of an argument or plan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in meaning and frequency. The process and terminology are standard in masonry in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. Implies maintenance, restoration, or repair.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but standard within the construction and heritage conservation sectors in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “repoint” in a Sentence
[subject] repointed [object (e.g., the wall)][object] was repointed by [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repoint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must repoint the Victorian terrace's brickwork to prevent damp.
- They've hired a specialist to repoint the old garden wall with lime mortar.
American English
- The historic foundation needs to be repointed before the winter freeze-thaw cycle.
- We repointed the chimney to stop water infiltration.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. 'Repointed' is the participle adjective: 'The newly repointed wall looks splendid.']
American English
- [Not standard. 'Repointed' is the participle adjective: 'The repointed brickwork increased the home's value.']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In property management: 'The quarterly budget includes funds to repoint the south facade.'
Academic
In architectural history: 'The conservation philosophy debated whether to repoint using modern cement or traditional lime mortar.'
Everyday
In home maintenance: 'The mason said we should repoint the garden wall before winter.'
Technical
In construction: 'The specification requires the contractor to rake out to a depth of 25mm and repoint with a NHL 3.5 mortar mix.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repoint”
- Confusing 'repoint' with 'repaint'.
- Using 'repoint' intransitively (e.g., 'The wall needs to repoint' is wrong; it should be 'The wall needs repointing' or '...needs to be repointed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, but 'repoint' specifies the action of doing it again or renewing existing pointing. 'Point' can refer to the initial pointing during construction.
It is primarily used for masonry: walls, chimneys, foundations, and stonework. Metaphorical use (e.g., 'repoint an argument') is very rare and not standard.
'Tuckpointing' is a specific, decorative style of repointing using two colours of mortar to give the illusion of very fine joints. All tuckpointing involves repointing, but not all repointing is tuckpointing.
It is a low-frequency word in general English but is a standard, essential term within the construction, building trades, and historic preservation sectors.
To repair the mortar between the bricks or stones of a wall.
Repoint is usually technical (construction), occasionally formal. in register.
Repoint: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-do the POINTing. Just as you point with your finger, mortar points between bricks. To repoint is to re-do those lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTORATION IS RE-SUTURING (The mortar is the 'stitching' that holds the brick 'fabric' together; repointing is re-stitching).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the verb 'repoint'?