pointed

pointed — adjective

1. ending in a narrow tip that feels sharp or can go into something.

1.形容詞B1
釋義

ending in a narrow tip that feels sharp or can go into something.

例句

The child drew a star with six long, pointed corners.

pattern: pointed + noun

A pointed knife lay beside the tomatoes on the kitchen board.

collocation: pointed knife

同義詞
  • sharp

    often stresses the ability to cut or hurt, not only the shape

  • tapered

    emphasizes becoming narrower toward one end

  • spiky

    usually suggests many thin points rather than one neat tip

  • peaked

    commonly used for hats, roofs, or mountains with a high point

反義詞
  • blunt

    not sharp at the end

  • rounded

    curved instead of ending in a tip

文法句型

pointed + noun

be pointed at one end

用法筆記

Usually describes the shape of things such as tools, shoes, ears, leaves, and roofs. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about words or behaviour that feel critical.

常見錯誤

❌The baby touched the pointed paper edge and cried.
✅The baby touched the sharp paper edge and cried.
💡'pointed' describes shape; 'sharp' is better when something can easily cut or hurt.

2. said or shown so directly that it clearly carries blame, dislike, or a personal

2.形容詞C1
釋義

said or shown so directly that it clearly carries blame, dislike, or a personal attack.

例句

Maya's pointed question about money made the room go quiet.

collocation: pointed question

During dinner, Uncle Ray made a pointed remark about Jason's lateness.

collocation: pointed remark

同義詞
  • critical

    shows disapproval, but it can be less personally aimed

  • cutting

    stronger and more hurtful, especially in speech

  • barbed

    suggests a clever, mocking insult hidden in the words

  • direct

    can be neutral and lacks the attacking tone of 'pointed'

反義詞

文法句型

pointed + question

pointed + remark

pointed + criticism

用法筆記

Most often used with nouns like question, remark, criticism, reply, and tone. Distinguish from sense 1: if the word describes physical shape, this is not the right sense.

常見錯誤

❌His pointed answer was short and clear.
✅His direct answer was short and clear.
💡'pointed' usually suggests criticism or personal attack, not simple clarity.