pointedly

IPA/ˈpɔɪntɪdli/
KK[pˈɔɪntɪdlˌi]IPA/ˈpɔɪntɪdli/

pointedly — adverb

1. in a deliberate, noticeable manner that makes your critical attitude, annoyance,

1.副詞B2
釋義

in a deliberate, noticeable manner that makes your critical attitude, annoyance, or disapproval impossible to miss — often through what you choose not to say or do as much as through what you actually say or do.

例句

Mei pointedly ignored her roommate’s question about the broken vase.

collocation: pointedly ignore

The manager pointedly reminded the team that the deadline was non-negotiable.

adverb + verb: pointedly remind + that-clause

同義詞
  • deliberately

    Same intentionality but neutral in tone; does not carry the critical edge

  • conspicuously

    Same quality of being easily noticed, but may lack the disapproving intention

  • emphatically

    Similar strong emphasis, but more about insistence than silent criticism

  • ostentatiously

    Carries obviousness but with a connotation of showing off rather than showing disapproval

反義詞
  • subtly

    Opposite of obvious; the action is hidden or understated rather than deliberately conspicuous

  • casually

    Opposite of deliberate; the action appears relaxed or indifferent rather than intentionally pointed

文法句型

adverb + verb phrase

adverb modifying a clause

用法筆記

Frequently pairs with verbs of omission or negative action (ignore, avoid, turn away, refuse). The disapproval is carried by the obviousness of the action, not by the action itself — the same act done subtly would not be “pointedly.”

常見錯誤

❌She pointedly smiled at her friend.
✅She pointedly ignored her friend’s text message.
💡Pointedly describes actions that show disapproval or criticism through obvious omission or emphasis; it does not describe neutral or positive actions.