Spot vs. Point — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
A spot is a specific location, often marked by its physical attributes or as a small, distinct area, while point refers to an exact position, idea, or moment in space or time, often used more abstractly.
Difference Between Spot and Point
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A spot typically connotes a physical location or area that is noticeable because of its distinct characteristics or because it differs from its surroundings. For example, a picnic spot suggests a particular place ideal for picnicking, often due to its scenic beauty or convenience. On the other hand, a point can refer to a precise location in space, like a point on a map, indicating an exact coordinate or position. Moreover, point extends beyond physical locations to include moments in time or specific aspects of discussion, as when one makes a point during an argument, highlighting a fact or opinion for consideration.
While spots are often described in terms of physical space and can encompass a slightly broader area, points are about exactness and precision, whether in physical, temporal, or conceptual terms. A spot can be a point, but it carries a more tangible, often larger, and more qualitative aspect. For instance, a spot of color is an area distinguished by its hue, whereas a point of light might refer to the exact source or position of that light.
In discussions or arguments, the differentiation becomes clearer: one speaks of a point to refer to an argument or a specific piece of evidence, underscoring the abstract or conceptual nature of "point," which doesn't apply to "spot." "Spot" lacks this abstract dimension, remaining rooted in the physical or visual realms.
Navigation and geography further illustrate their differences. While one might use "point" to refer to a specific coordinate (latitude and longitude) on a map, "spot" is more likely used to describe a destination or landmark, emphasizing its physical presence and the space it occupies rather than its precise geographic coordinates.
In essence, while both terms denote locations, "spot" leans towards tangible, often visible locations with a sense of place, and "point" emphasizes exactness, precision, and can extend into abstract or temporal domains, making it a versatile term in both physical and intellectual contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific location marked by physical attributes.
An exact position or a moment, used in physical, temporal, and abstract contexts.
Connotation
Physical and tangible, often larger and qualitative.
Precision and exactness, can be abstract or conceptual.
Usage
Describes physical areas or places.
Used to indicate precise locations, moments, or ideas.
Abstract vs. Physical
Primarily physical.
Can be both physical and abstract.
Example Contexts
Describing a place for activities, landmarks.
Geographical coordinates, arguments, or points in time.
Compare with Definitions
Spot
Position or location within a larger area.
She always parks her car in the same spot.
Point
A precise location on a surface.
Mark the point where the two lines intersect.
Spot
A particular place or area.
We found a beautiful spot for our picnic.
Point
The purpose or essence of something.
The point of the story is to teach honesty.
Spot
A place of interest or activity.
This city is full of historic spots.
Point
A unit of measure in games, scoring, or academic grades.
She scored 20 points above the class average.
Spot
A small, distinct area differing from its surroundings.
The painting was dominated by a bright red spot.
Point
A moment in time.
At this point, we decided to turn back.
Spot
A blemish or stain on a surface.
I can't remove this coffee spot from my shirt.
Point
An item in a list or an argument.
The speaker's main point was about climate change.
Spot
A small round or roundish mark, differing in colour or texture from the surface around it
Ladybirds have black spots on their red wing covers
Point
A sharp or tapered end
The point of a knife.
The point of the antenna.
Spot
A particular place or point
A nice secluded spot
An ideal picnic spot
Point
An object having a sharp or tapered end
A stone projectile point.
Spot
A small amount of something
A spot of rain
A spot of bother flared up
Point
A tapering extension of land projecting into water; a peninsula, cape, or promontory.
Spot
Denoting a system of trading in which commodities or currencies are delivered and paid for immediately after a sale
The current spot price
Trading in the spot markets
Point
A mark formed by or as if by a sharp end.
Spot
Short for spotlight
Point
A mark or dot used in printing or writing for punctuation, especially a period.
Spot
A board for working plaster before application.
Point
A decimal point.
Spot
A banknote of a specified value
A ten-spot
Point
(Linguistics) A vowel point.
Spot
See, notice, or recognize (someone or something) that is difficult to detect or that one is searching for
Andrew spotted the advert in the paper
The men were spotted by police
Point
One of the protruding marks used in certain methods of writing and printing for the blind.
Spot
Mark or become marked with spots
The velvet was spotted with stains
Point
A dimensionless geometric object having no properties except location.
Spot
Rain slightly
It was still spotting with rain
Point
An element in a geometrically described set.
Spot
Place (a ball) on its designated starting point on a billiard table.
Point
A place or locality considered with regard to its position
Connections to Chicago and points west.
Spot
Give or lend (money) to (someone)
I'll spot you $300
Point
A narrowly particularized and localized position or place; a spot
The troops halted at a point roughly 1,000 yards from the river.
Spot
A mark on a surface differing sharply in color from its surroundings.
Point
A specified degree, condition, or limit, as in a scale or course
The melting point of a substance.
Spot
A blemish, mark, or pimple on the skin.
Point
Any of the 32 equal divisions marked at the circumference of a mariner's compass card that indicate direction.
Spot
A stain or blot.
Point
The interval of 11°15′ between any two adjacent markings.
Spot
A mark or pip on a playing card; a spade, club, diamond, or heart.
Point
A distinct condition or degree
Finally reached the point of exhaustion.
Spot
A playing card with a specified number of such marks on it indicating its value.
Point
The interval of time immediately before a given occurrence; the verge
On the point of resignation.
At the point of death.
Spot
(Informal) A piece of paper money worth a specified number of dollars
A five spot.
Point
A specific moment in time
At this point, we are ready to proceed.
Spot
A small area
A bald spot.
An itchy spot.
Point
An objective or purpose to be reached or achieved, or one that is worth reaching or achieving
What is the point of discussing this issue further?.
Spot
A location or position
A good spot for catching fish.
Point
The major idea or essential part of a concept or narrative
You have missed the whole point of the novel.
Spot
A point of interest
There are a lot of spots to visit in the old city.
Point
A significant, outstanding, or effective idea, argument, or suggestion
Your point is well taken.
Spot
A position or an item in an ordered arrangement
The first spot in line.
Point
A separate, distinguishing item or element; a detail
Diplomacy is certainly not one of his strong points. Your weak point is your constant need for approval.
Spot
(Football) The position of the ball for the line of scrimmage as determined by a referee after a play.
Point
A quality or characteristic that is important or distinctive, especially a standard characteristic used to judge an animal.
Spot
(Informal) A situation, especially a troublesome one.
Point
A single unit, as in counting, rating, or measuring.
Spot
A flaw in one's reputation or character
A dark spot in his past.
Point
A unit of academic credit usually equal to one hour of class work per week during one semester.
Spot
A short presentation or commercial on television or radio between major programs
A news spot.
Point
A numerical unit of academic achievement equal to a letter grade.
Spot
(Informal) A spotlight.
Point
Sports & Games A unit of scoring or counting.
Spot
Pl. spot or spots A small croaker (Leiostomus xanthurus) of North American Atlantic waters, having a dark mark above each pectoral fin and valued as a food and game fish.
Point
A unit equal to one dollar, used to quote or state variations in the current prices of stocks or commodities.
Spot
Chiefly British A small amount; a bit
A spot of tea.
Point
A unit equal to one percent, used to quote or state interest rates or shares in gross profits.
Spot
To soil with spots
Soot spotted the curtains.
Point
One percent of the total principal of a loan, paid up front to the lender and considered separately from the interest.
Spot
To decorate with spots; dot.
Point
(Music) A phrase, such as a fugue subject, in contrapuntal music.
Spot
To bring disgrace to; besmirch
Rumors that spotted his reputation.
Point
(Printing) A unit of type size equal to 0.01384 inch, or approximately 1/72 of an inch.
Spot
To place in a particular location; situate precisely
Spotted their stores in smaller towns.
Point
A jeweler's unit of weight equal to 2 milligrams or 0.01 carat.
Spot
(Football) To position (the ball) determining the line of scrimmage after a play has been completed.
Point
The act or an instance of pointing.
Spot
To detect or discern, especially visually; spy
Spotted him on the subway.
Point
The stiff and attentive stance taken by a hunting dog.
Spot
To remove spots from, as in a laundry.
Point
A reconnaissance or patrol unit that moves ahead of an advance party or guard, or that follows a rear guard.
Spot
(Sports) To yield a favorable scoring margin to
Spotted their opponents 11 points.
Point
The position occupied by such a unit or guard
A team of Rangers were walking point at the outset of the operation.
Spot
(Sports) To act as a spotter for (a gymnast, for example).
Point
Either of two positions in ice hockey just inside the offensive zone near the boards, usually assumed by defenders attempting to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
Spot
(Informal) To lend
Can you spot me $25 until payday?.
Point
(Basketball) A position in the forecourt beyond the top of the key, usually taken by the point guard.
Spot
To become marked with spots
These dishes spot easily.
Point
In women's lacrosse, a defensive player who marks the opponent playing nearest to the goal (the first home).
Spot
To cause a discoloration or make a stain.
Point
An electrical contact, especially one in the distributor of an automobile engine.
Spot
To locate targets from the air during combat or training missions.
Point
Chiefly British An electrical socket or outlet.
Spot
Made, paid, or delivered immediately
A spot sale.
Point
Points The extremities of an animal, such as a cat or horse, especially when they differ in color from the rest of the coat.
Spot
Of, relating to, or being a market in which payment or delivery is immediate
The spot market in oil.
Point
A movable rail, tapered at the end, such as that used in a railroad switch.
Spot
Involving random or selective instances or actions
A spot investigation.
Point
The vertex of the angle created by the intersection of rails in a frog or switch.
Spot
Presented between major radio or television programs
A spot announcement.
Point
A ribbon or cord with a metal tag at the end, used to fasten clothing in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Spot
A round or irregular patch on the surface of a thing having a different color, texture etc. and generally round in shape.
The leopard is noted for the spots of color in its fur.
Why do ladybugs have spots?
Point
To direct or aim
Point a weapon.
Spot
A stain or disfiguring mark.
I have tried everything, and I can’t get this spot out.
Point
To bring (something) to notice
Pointed out an error in their reasoning.
Spot
A pimple, papule or pustule.
That morning, I saw that a spot had come up on my chin.
I think she's got chicken pox; she's covered in spots.
Point
To indicate the position or direction of
Pointed out the oldest buildings on the skyline.
Spot
A small, unspecified amount or quantity.
Do come 'round on Sunday for a spot of tea, won't you?
Point
To sharpen (a pencil, for example); provide with a point.
Spot
A bill of five-dollar or ten-dollar denomination in dollars.
Here's the twenty bucks I owe you, a ten spot and two five spots.
Point
To separate with decimal points
Pointing off the hundredths place in a column of figures.
Spot
A location or area.
I like to eat lunch in a pleasant spot outside.
For our anniversary we went back to the same spot where we first met.
Point
To mark (text) with points; punctuate.
Spot
A parking space.
Point
(Linguistics) To mark (a consonant) with a vowel point.
Spot
(sports) An official determination of placement.
The fans were very unhappy with the referee's spot of the ball.
Point
To give emphasis to; stress
Comments that simply point up flawed reasoning.
Spot
A bright lamp; a spotlight.
Point
To indicate the presence and position of (game) by standing immobile and directing the muzzle toward it. Used of a hunting dog.
Spot
A brief advertisement or program segment on television.
Did you see the spot on the news about the shoelace factory?
Point
To fill and finish the joints of (masonry) with cement or mortar.
Spot
A difficult situation.
She was in a real spot when she ran into her separated husband while on a date.
Point
To direct attention or indicate position with or as if with the finger.
Spot
One who spots (supports or assists a maneuver, or is prepared to assist if safety dictates); a spotter.
Point
To turn the mind or thought in a particular direction or to a particular conclusion
All indications point to an early spring.
Spot
(soccer) Penalty spot.
Point
To be turned or faced in a given direction; aim.
Spot
The act of spotting or noticing something.
You've misspelled "terrapin" here. —Whoops. Good spot.
Point
To indicate the presence and position of game. Used of a hunting dog.
Spot
A variety of the common domestic pigeon, so called from a spot on its head just above the beak.
Point
(Nautical) To sail close to the wind.
Spot
A food fish (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast of the United States, with a black spot behind the shoulders and fifteen oblique dark bars on the sides.
Point
A discrete division of something.
Spot
The southern redfish, or novern=1 (Sciaenops ocellatus), which has a spot on each side at the base of the tail.
Point
An individual element in a larger whole; a particular detail, thought, or quality.
The Congress debated the finer points of the bill.
Spot
Commodities, such as merchandise and cotton, sold for immediate delivery.
Point
A particular moment in an event or occurrence; a juncture.
There comes a point in a marathon when some people give up.
At this point in the meeting, I'd like to propose a new item for the agenda.
Spot
An autosoliton.
Point
(archaic) Condition, state.
She was not feeling in good point.
Spot
(finance) A decimal point; point.
Point
A topic of discussion or debate; a proposition.
I made the point that we all had an interest to protect.
Spot
Any of various points marked on the table, from which balls are played, in snooker, pool, billiards, etc.
Point
A focus of conversation or consideration; the main idea.
The point is that we should stay together, whatever happens.
Spot
Any of the balls marked with spots in the game of pool, which one player aims to pot, the other player taking the stripes.
Point
A purpose or objective, which makes something meaningful.
Since the decision has already been made, I see little point in further discussion.
Spot
(transitive) To see, find; to pick out, notice, locate, distinguish or identify.
Try to spot the differences between these two pictures.
Point
(obsolete) The smallest quantity of something; a jot, a whit.
Spot
(finance) To loan a small amount of money to someone.
I’ll spot you ten dollars for lunch.
Point
(obsolete) A tiny amount of time; a moment.
Spot
(ambitransitive) To stain; to leave a spot (on).
Hard water will spot if it is left on a surface.
A garment spotted with mould
Point
A specific location or place, seen as a spatial position.
We should meet at a pre-arranged point.
Spot
To remove, or attempt to remove, a stain.
I spotted the carpet where the child dropped spaghetti.
Point
A zero-dimensional mathematical object representing a location in one or more dimensions; something considered to have position but no magnitude or direction. Category:en:Shapes
Spot
To retouch a photograph on film to remove minor flaws.
Point
A full stop or other terminal punctuation mark.
Spot
To support or assist a maneuver, or to be prepared to assist if safety dictates.
I can’t do a back handspring unless somebody spots me.
Point
(music) A dot or mark used to designate certain tones or time. In ancient music, it distinguished or characterized certain tones or styles (points of perfection, of augmentation, etc.). In modern music, it is placed on the right of a note to raise its value, or prolong its time, by one half.
Spot
(dance) To keep the head and eyes pointing in a single direction while turning.
Most figure skaters do not spot their turns like dancers do.
Point
(by extension) A note; a tune.
Spot
To stain; to blemish; to taint; to disgrace; to tarnish, as reputation.
Point
A distinguishing quality or characteristic.
Logic isn't my strong point.
Spot
To cut or chip (timber) in preparation for hewing.
Point
The chief or excellent features.
The points of a horse
Spot
To place an object at a location indicated by a spot.
The referee had to spot the pink on the blue spot.
Point
Something tiny, as a pinprick; a very small mark.
The stars showed as tiny points of yellow light.
Spot
To position (an aircraft) on the deck of an aircraft carrier ready for launch by catapult.
Point
(now only in phrases) A tenth; formerly also a twelfth.
Possession is nine points of the law.
Spot
To position (a locomotive or car) at a predetermined point, e.g., for loading or unloading.
Point
Each of the marks or strokes written above letters, especially in Semitic languages, to indicate vowels, stress etc.
Spot
Available on the spot; for immediate payment or delivery.
Spot wheat
Spot cash
A spot contract
Point
A unit of scoring in a game or competition.
The one with the most points will win the game
Spot
A mark on a substance or body made by foreign matter; a blot; a place discolored.
Out, damned spot! Out, I say!
Point
(mathematics) A decimal point (now especially when reading decimal fractions aloud).
10.5 is "ten point five", or ten and a half.
Spot
A stain on character or reputation; something that soils purity; disgrace; reproach; fault; blemish.
Yet Chloe, sure, was formed without a spot.
Point
(economics) A unit used to express differences in prices of stocks and shares.
Spot
A small part of a different color from the main part, or from the ground upon which it is; as, the spots of a leopard; the spots on a playing card.
Point
(typography) a unit of measure equal to 1/12 of a pica, or approximately 1/72 of an inch (exactly 1/72 of an inch in the digital era).
Spot
A small extent of space; a place; any particular place.
That spot to which I point is Paradise.
"A jolly place," said he, "in times of old!But something ails it now: the spot is cursed."
Point
(UK) An electric power socket.
Spot
A variety of the common domestic pigeon, so called from a spot on its head just above its beak.
Point
A unit of bearing equal to one thirty-second of a circle, i.e. 11.25°.
Ship ahoy, three points off the starboard bow!
Spot
A sciænoid food fish (Liostomus xanthurus) of the Atlantic coast of the United States. It has a black spot behind the shoulders and fifteen oblique dark bars on the sides. Called also goody, Lafayette, masooka, and old wife.
Point
(UK) A unit of measure for rain, equal to 0.254 mm or 0.01 of an inch.
Spot
Commodities, as merchandise and cotton, sold for immediate delivery.
Point
Either of the two metal surfaces in a distributor which close or open to allow or prevent the flow of current through the ignition coil. There is usually a moving point, pushed by the distributor cam, and a fixed point, and they are built together as a unit.
Spot
To make visible marks upon with some foreign matter; to discolor in or with spots; to stain; to cover with spots or figures; as, to spot a garment; to spot paper.
Point
A sharp extremity.
Spot
To mark or note so as to insure recognition; to recognize; to detect; as, to spot a criminal.
Point
The sharp tip of an object.
Cut the skin with the point of the knife.
Spot
To stain; to blemish; to taint; to disgrace; to tarnish, as reputation; to asperse.
My virgin life no spotted thoughts shall stain.
If ever I shall close these eyes but once,May I live spotted for my perjury.
Point
Any projecting extremity of an object.
Spot
To become stained with spots.
Point
An object which has a sharp or tapering tip.
His cowboy belt was studded with points.
Spot
Lit., being on the spot, or place;
Point
(backgammon) Each of the twelve triangular positions in either table of a backgammon board, on which the stones are played.
Spot
A point located with respect to surface features of some region;
This is a nice place for a picnic
Point
A peninsula or promontory.
Spot
A short section or illustration (as between radio or tv programs or in a magazine) that is often used for advertising
Point
The position at the front or vanguard of an advancing force.
Spot
A blemish made by dirt;
He had a smudge on his cheek
Point
Each of the main directions on a compass, usually considered to be 32 in number; a direction.
Spot
A small contrasting part of something;
A bald spot
A leopard's spots
A patch of clouds
Patches of thin ice
A fleck of red
Point
(nautical) The difference between two points of the compass.
To fall off a point
Spot
A section of an entertainment that is assigned to a specific performer or performance;
They changed his spot on the program
Point
Pointedness of speech or writing; a penetrating or decisive quality of expression.
Spot
An outstanding characteristic;
His acting was one of the high points of the movie
Point
A railroad switch.
Spot
A business establishment for entertainment;
Night spot
Point
An area of contrasting colour on an animal, especially a dog; a marking.
The point color of that cat was a deep, rich sable.
Spot
A job in an organization;
He occupied a post in the treasury
Point
A tine or snag of an antler.
Spot
A slight attack of illness;
He has a touch of rheumatism
Point
(fencing) A movement executed with the sabre or foil.
Tierce point
Spot
A small quantity;
A spot of tea
A bit of paper
Point
(heraldry) One of the several different parts of the escutcheon.
Spot
A mark on a playing card (shape depending on the suit)
Point
(nautical) A short piece of cordage used in reefing sails.
Spot
A lamp that produces a strong beam of light to illuminate a restricted area; used to focus attention of a stage performer
Point
(historical) A string or lace used to tie together certain garments.
Spot
A playing card with a specified number of pips on it to indicate its value;
An eight spot
Point
Lace worked by the needle.
Point de Venise; Brussels point
Spot
An act that brings discredit to the person who does it;
He made a huge blot on his copybook
Point
An item of private information; a hint; a tip; a pointer.
Spot
Catch sight of
Point
The attitude assumed by a pointer dog when he finds game.
The dog came to a point.
Spot
Mar or impair with a flaw;
Her face was blemished
Point
(falconry) The perpendicular rising of a hawk over the place where its prey has gone into cover.
Spot
Make a spot or mark onto;
The wine spotted the tablecloth
Point
The act of pointing, as of the foot downward in certain dance positions.
Spot
Become spotted;
This dress spots quickly
Point
The gesture of extending the index finger in a direction in order to indicate something.
Spot
Mark with a spot or spots so as to allow easy recognition;
Spot the areas that one should clearly identify
Point
A vaccine point.
Point
In various sports, a position of a certain player, or, by extension, the player occupying that position.
Point
(cricket) A fielding position square of the wicket on the off side, between gully and cover.
Point
The position of the player of each side who stands a short distance in front of the goalkeeper.
Point
(baseball) The position of the pitcher and catcher.
Point
(hunting) A spot to which a straight run is made; hence, a straight run from point to point; a cross-country run.
Point
(intransitive) To extend the index finger in the direction of something in order to show where it is or to draw attention to it.
It's rude to point at other people.
Point
(intransitive) To draw attention to something or indicate a direction.
The arrow of a compass points north
The skis were pointing uphill.
The arrow on the map points towards the entrance
Point
(intransitive) To face in a particular direction.
Point
To direct toward an object; to aim.
To point a gun at a wolf, or a cannon at a fort
Point
To give a point to; to sharpen; to cut, forge, grind, or file to an acute end.
To point a dart, a pencil, or (figuratively) a moral
Point
(intransitive) To indicate a probability of something.
Point
To repair mortar.
Point
To fill up and finish the joints of (a wall), by introducing additional cement or mortar, and bringing it to a smooth surface.
Point
(stone-cutting) To cut, as a surface, with a pointed tool.
Point
(transitive) To direct or encourage (someone) in a particular direction.
If he asks for food, point him toward the refrigerator.
Point
To separate an integer from a decimal with a decimal point.
Point
(transitive) To mark with diacritics.
Point
(dated) To supply with punctuation marks; to punctuate.
To point a composition
Point
To direct the central processing unit to seek information at a certain location in memory.
Point
To direct requests sent to a domain name to the IP address corresponding to that domain name.
Point
To sail close to the wind.
Bear off a little, we're pointing.
Point
To indicate the presence of game by a fixed and steady look, as certain hunting dogs do.
Point
To approximate to the surface; to head.
Point
(dated) To give point to (something said or done); to give particular prominence or force to.
Point
(obsolete) To appoint.
Point
To appoint.
Point
To give a point to; to sharpen; to cut, forge, grind, or file to an acute end; as, to point a dart, or a pencil. Used also figuratively; as, to point a moral.
Point
To direct toward an abject; to aim; as, to point a gun at a wolf, or a cannon at a fort.
Point
Hence, to direct the attention or notice of.
Whosoever should be guided through his battles by Minerva, and pointed to every scene of them.
Point
To supply with punctuation marks; to punctuate; as, to point a composition.
Point
To mark (a text, as in Arabic or Hebrew) with vowel points; - also called vocalize.
Point
To give particular prominence to; to designate in a special manner; to indicate, as if by pointing; as, the error was pointed out.
He points it, however, by no deviation from his straightforward manner of speech.
Point
To indicate or discover by a fixed look, as game.
Point
To fill up and finish the joints of (a wall), by introducing additional cement or mortar, and bringing it to a smooth surface.
Point
To cut, as a surface, with a pointed tool.
Point
To direct the point of something, as of a finger, for the purpose of designating an object, and attracting attention to it; - with at.
Now must the world point at poor Katharine.
Point at the tattered coat and ragged shoe.
Point
To indicate the presence of game by fixed and steady look, as certain hunting dogs do.
He treads with caution, and he points with fear.
Point
To approximate to the surface; to head; - said of an abscess.
Point
That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing instrument, as a needle or a pin.
Point
An instrument which pricks or pierces, as a sort of needle used by engravers, etchers, lace workers, and others; also, a pointed cutting tool, as a stone cutter's point; - called also pointer.
Point
Anything which tapers to a sharp, well-defined termination. Specifically: A small promontory or cape; a tract of land extending into the water beyond the common shore line.
Point
The mark made by the end of a sharp, piercing instrument, as a needle; a prick.
Point
An indefinitely small space; a mere spot indicated or supposed. Specifically: (Geom.) That which has neither parts nor magnitude; that which has position, but has neither length, breadth, nor thickness, - sometimes conceived of as the limit of a line; that by the motion of which a line is conceived to be produced.
Point
An indivisible portion of time; a moment; an instant; hence, the verge.
When time's first point begunMade he all souls.
Point
A mark of punctuation; a character used to mark the divisions of a composition, or the pauses to be observed in reading, or to point off groups of figures, etc.; a stop, as a comma, a semicolon, and esp. a period; hence, figuratively, an end, or conclusion.
And there a point, for ended is my tale.
Commas and points they set exactly right.
Point
Whatever serves to mark progress, rank, or relative position, or to indicate a transition from one state or position to another, degree; step; stage; hence, position or condition attained; as, a point of elevation, or of depression; the stock fell off five points; he won by tenpoints.
A lord full fat and in good point.
Point
That which arrests attention, or indicates qualities or character; a salient feature; a characteristic; a peculiarity; hence, a particular; an item; a detail; as, the good or bad points of a man, a horse, a book, a story, etc.
He told him, point for point, in short and plain.
In point of religion and in point of honor.
Shalt thou disputeWith Him the points of liberty ?
Point
Hence, the most prominent or important feature, as of an argument, discourse, etc.; the essential matter; esp., the proposition to be established; as, the point of an anecdote.
They will hardly prove his point.
Point
A small matter; a trifle; a least consideration; a punctilio.
This fellow doth not stand upon points.
[He] cared not for God or man a point.
Point
A dot or mark used to designate certain tones or time
Point
A fixed conventional place for reference, or zero of reckoning, in the heavens, usually the intersection of two or more great circles of the sphere, and named specifically in each case according to the position intended; as, the equinoctial points; the solstitial points; the nodal points; vertical points, etc. See Equinoctial Nodal.
Point
One of the several different parts of the escutcheon. See Escutcheon.
Point
One of the points of the compass (see Points of the compass, below); also, the difference between two points of the compass; as, to fall off a point.
Point
A a string or lace used to tie together certain parts of the dress.
Point
Lace wrought the needle; as, point de Venise; Brussels point. See Point lace, below.
Point
A switch.
Point
An item of private information; a hint; a tip; a pointer.
Point
A fielder who is stationed on the off side, about twelve or fifteen yards from, and a little in advance of, the batsman.
Point
The attitude assumed by a pointer dog when he finds game; as, the dog came to a point. See Pointer.
Point
A standard unit of measure for the size of type bodies, being one twelfth of the thickness of pica type. See Point system of type, under Type.
Point
A tyne or snag of an antler.
Point
One of the spaces on a backgammon board.
Point
A movement executed with the saber or foil; as, tierce point.
Point
A pointed piece of quill or bone covered at one end with vaccine matter; - called also vaccine point.
Point
One of the raised dots used in certain systems of printing and writing for the blind. The first practical system was that devised by Louis Braille in 1829, and still used in Europe (see Braille). Two modifications of this are current in the United States: New York point founded on three bases of equidistant points arranged in two lines (viz., : :: :::), and a later improvement, American Braille, embodying the Braille base (:::) and the New-York-point principle of using the characters of few points for the commonest letters.
Point
In various games, a position of a certain player, or, by extension, the player himself;
Point
A geometric element that has position but no extension;
A point is defined by its coordinates
Point
The precise location of something; a spatially limited location;
She walked to a point where she could survey the whole street
Point
A brief version of the essential meaning of something;
Get to the point
He missed the point of the joke
Life has lost its point
Point
A specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process;
A remarkable degree of frankness
At what stage are the social sciences?
Point
An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole;
Several of the details are similar
A point of information
Point
An instant of time;
At that point I had to leave
Point
The object of an activity;
What is the point of discussing it?
Point
A V shape;
The cannibal's teeth were filed to sharp points
Point
A very small circular shape;
A row of points
Draw lines between the dots
Point
The unit of counting in scoring a game or contest;
He scored 20 points in the first half
A touchdown counts 6 points
Point
A promontory extending out into a large body of water;
They sailed south around the point
Point
A distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list;
He noticed an item in the New York Times
She had several items on her shopping list
The main point on the agenda was taken up first
Point
A style in speech or writing that arrests attention and has a penetrating or convincing quality or effect
Point
An outstanding characteristic;
His acting was one of the high points of the movie
Point
Sharp end;
He stuck the point of the knife into a tree
He broke the point of his pencil
Point
Any of 32 horizontal directions indicated on the card of a compass;
He checked the point on his compass
Point
A linear unit used to measure the size of type; approximately 1/72 inch
Point
A punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations;
In England they call a period a stop
Point
A V-shaped mark at one end of an arrow pointer;
The point of the arrow was due north
Point
The property of a shape that tapers to a sharp point
Point
A distinguishing or individuating characteristic;
He knows my bad points as well as my good points
Point
The gun muzzle's direction;
He held me up at the point of a gun
Point
A wall socket
Point
A contact in the distributor; as the rotor turns its projecting arm contacts distributor points and current flows to the spark plugs
Point
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Point
Be oriented;
The weather vane points North
Point
Direct into a position for use;
Point a gun
He charged his weapon at me
Point
Direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
Point
Be a signal for or a symptom of;
These symptoms indicate a serious illness
Her behavior points to a severe neurosis
The economic indicators signal that the euro is undervalued
Point
Sail close to the wind
Point
Mark (Hebrew words) with diacritics
Point
Mark with diacritics;
Point the letter
Point
Mark (a psalm text) to indicate the points at which the music changes
Point
Be positionable in a specified manner;
The gun points with ease
Point
Intend (something) to move towards a certain goal;
He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face
Criticism directed at her superior
Direct your anger towards others, not towards yourself
Point
Give a point to;
The candles are tapered
Point
Repair the joints of bricks;
Point a chimney
Common Curiosities
Can a point be a physical place?
Yes, a point can refer to a precise physical location, though it is often used more abstractly than the term "spot."
How do points function in navigation compared to spots?
In navigation, points are used to indicate precise geographic coordinates, while spots might refer to broader locations or areas of interest.
How can point be used in discussions?
In discussions, a point refers to a specific argument, idea, or piece of evidence that is brought up for consideration or emphasis.
What distinguishes a good spot for photography?
A good spot for photography is distinguished by its lighting, scenery, uniqueness, or how well it conveys the desired mood or message.
Can a spot have historical significance?
Yes, spots can have historical significance if notable events occurred there or if they have been preserved for their historical value.
What defines a spot in geographical terms?
In geographical terms, a spot refers to a particular place or location, often noted for its distinct physical characteristics or usage.
Is there a situation where spot and point could mean the same thing?
Yes, when referring to a very precise location, both "spot" and "point" could be used interchangeably, though "point" implies greater exactness.
Why might someone emphasize a point in an argument?
Emphasizing a point in an argument can help clarify the speaker's position, provide evidence, or persuade the audience of a particular perspective.
How is the idea of a point used in literature?
In literature, a point can refer to the central theme, moral, or argument the author intends to convey to the reader.
Can a point in time be significant in history?
Yes, a point in time can be significant in history if it marks a momentous event, turning point, or period of change.
What is the significance of a spot in visual arts?
In visual arts, a spot can be significant for its color, texture, or role in the composition, offering visual interest or contrast.
How does the concept of a point apply in mathematics?
In mathematics, a point refers to an exact location in space, defined by coordinates, without any area, volume, or dimension.
Why might someone say "You have a point"?
Someone might say "You have a point" to acknowledge a valid argument, perspective, or piece of reasoning presented by another.
What makes a spot ideal for certain activities?
A spot might be ideal for certain activities due to its location, scenery, accessibility, or suitability for the activity's specific needs.
How do points accumulate in sports or games?
Points accumulate in sports or games based on performance, achieving specific goals, or meeting certain criteria set by the rules.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
