pointed

UK: ˈpɔɪntɪd | US: ˈpɔɪntɪd

Definition

  1. adj. having a sharp or tapered end

  2. adj. direct and clear in expression; cutting

  3. adj. (of a remark or look) intentionally critical or piercing

Structure
point <sharp tip>ed <adjective suffix>
Etymology

pointed = point<sharp tip> + ed<adjective suffix>

  • point: From Old French point (dot, mark, sharp end), derived from Latin punctum (a prick, point), from pungere (to prick).
  • ed: A suffix forming adjectives from nouns or verbs, indicating possession of a quality (e.g., "sharpened" → "having sharpness").

Etymology Origin:
The word pointed traces back to the Latin pungere (to prick), reflecting the idea of sharpness or precision. Over time, point evolved in Old French to denote both physical sharpness and metaphorical emphasis (e.g., "main point"). The suffix -ed later generalized the term to describe anything possessing a sharp or incisive quality, whether literal (a needle) or figurative (a remark).

Examples

  1. The wizard wore a hat with a pointed tip.

  2. Her pointed criticism made everyone uncomfortable.

  3. The cat’s ears are pointed and alert.

  4. He avoided her pointed questions about the missing funds.

  5. The pine tree’s needles are small and pointed.