pointed [poin-tid] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin adjective
- having a point or points: a pointed arch.
- sharp or piercing: pointed wit.
- having direct effect, significance, or force: pointed criticism.
- directed; aimed: a pointed gun.
- directed particularly, as at a person: a pointed remark.
- marked; emphasized.
- Heraldry. (of a cross) having parallel sides with points formed by two inclined sides on each end: a cross pointed.
Origin of pointed Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at point, -ed2, -ed3 Related formspoint·ed·ly, adverbpoint·ed·ness, nounmul·ti·point·ed, adjectiveself-point·ed, adjectiveun·point·ed, adjectivewell-point·ed, adjectiveSynonyms for pointed 2. penetrating; epigrammatic.Antonyms for pointed 2. blunt, dull. Examples from the Web for well-pointed Historical Examples of well-pointed
A lancet is the instrument generally used in bleeding, though a well-pointed pen knife will do at a pinch.
Ambrose Blacklock
A lancet is the instrument generally used in bleeding, though a well-pointed penknife will do at a pinch.
Richard L. Allen
I have very little to add in illustration of Lysander’s well-pointed sarcasms relating to this second symptom of Book-Madness.
Thomas Frognall Dibdin
British Dictionary definitions for well-pointed pointed adjective
- having a point
- cutting or incisivea pointed wit
- obviously directed at or intended for a particular person or aspectpointed criticism
- emphasized or made conspicuouspointed ignorance
- (of an arch or style of architecture employing such an arch) Gothic
- music (of a psalm text) marked to show changes in chanting
- (of Hebrew text) with vowel points marked
Derived Formspointedly, adverbpointedness, noun Word Origin and History for well-pointed pointed adj.
c.1300, “having a sharp end or ends,” from point (n.). Meaning “having the quality of penetrating the feelings or mind” is from 1660s. Related: Pointedly; pointedness.