pointy

IPA/ˈpɔɪnti/
KK[pˈɔɪnti]IPA/ˈpɔɪnti/

pointy — adjective

  • pointypositive
  • pointiercomparative
  • pointiestsuperlative

1. having a thin, sharp end that narrows to a single tip — like the end of a needle

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having a thin, sharp end that narrows to a single tip — like the end of a needle, a witch's hat, or a dog's ear when it pricks up.

例句

Mei cut the carrot into long, pointy strips for the salad.

collocation: pointy strips / pointy end

Lukas found a pointy rock at the beach and used it to draw a circle.

同義詞
  • sharp

    more general — can describe a blade; 'pointy' is only about the tip

  • pointed

    more formal; used in technical descriptions (pointed arch, pointed remark)

  • tapered

    describes the gradual narrowing, not necessarily sharp at the very end

反義詞
  • blunt

    having a rounded or flat end instead of a tip

  • rounded

    curved, not narrowing to a point

用法筆記

Less formal than 'pointed'; 'pointed' is preferred in academic or technical writing (e.g. 'a pointed arch', 'a pointed comment').

常見錯誤

❌The pencil has a pointy end after I sharpened it.
✅The pencil has a sharp point after I sharpened it.
💡'pointy' is less natural for manufactured objects; 'pointed' or 'sharp' works better.

2. covered with many sharp parts, points, or edges that stick outward, making the s

2.形容詞B2
釋義

covered with many sharp parts, points, or edges that stick outward, making the surface rough and uneven — like a spiky fence, a crown of thorns, or a bed of jagged rocks.

例句

An iron fence with a pointy top stopped the children from climbing over it.

collocation: pointy top (of a fence or wall)

Nadia picked up a pointy shell on the shore and pricked her finger.

同義詞
  • spiky

    very similar, but 'spiky' can also describe hair standing on end; 'pointy' is more about rigid surfaces

  • jagged

    describes uneven, sharp edges (like broken glass or a torn edge) rather than individual points

  • prickly

    suggests pain when touched; often used for plants and animals (cactus, hedgehog)

反義詞
  • smooth

    flat and even, with no protruding parts

  • blunt

    lacking sharp edges or points

用法筆記

Describes objects with multiple sharp protrusions rather than a single tip. Often used for things that are uncomfortable to touch or sit on.