How Do You Spell POINT-BLANK?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪntblˈaŋk] (IPA)

The spelling of "point-blank" can be a bit confusing, especially for non-native speakers. The word is usually pronounced as /ˌpɔɪnt ˈblæŋk/, with two syllables stressed equally. The first syllable is represented by the letters "poi" and the second syllable is spelled "blank". The hyphen between the two words is used to indicate that they are to be pronounced together without a pause. The word has a straightforward meaning - it refers to something done or said in a direct and blunt way, without any hesitation or ambiguity.

POINT-BLANK Meaning and Definition

  1. Point-blank is an adverb that refers to an action or statement that is made directly and without any hesitation or subtlety, typically in a confrontational or frank manner. It is derived from the French word "pointe blanche," meaning "white spot." Point-blank is often used to describe a question or demand that is asked or made with clear and unmistakable intent, leaving no room for misunderstanding or evasion. It implies a directness that may come across as abrupt or brusque.

    In a non-literal sense, point-blank can also describe an action that is performed at extremely close range, with the target being within a short distance of the weapon or object used. This usage originated from the term "point blanc," meaning "white point," which referred to the small white mark at the center of a target. Thus, point-blank can be used to convey the idea of a shot or action that is made at close proximity, leaving little or no room for error or deviation.

    Ultimately, point-blank denotes a straightforward, direct, and often forceful or close-range approach to an action, statement, or confrontation. It encapsulates the notion of clarity and immediacy, leaving no doubt or uncertainty regarding the intention or outcome.

  2. • Directly.
    • In mil., direct; the position of a gun or rifle aimed at an object without any elevation-the distance, which is more or less short, is called point blank range.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for POINT-BLANK

  • ooint-blank
  • loint-blank
  • -oint-blank
  • 0oint-blank
  • piint-blank
  • pkint-blank
  • plint-blank
  • ppint-blank
  • p0int-blank
  • p9int-blank
  • pount-blank
  • pojnt-blank
  • poknt-blank
  • poont-blank
  • po9nt-blank
  • po8nt-blank
  • poibt-blank
  • poimt-blank
  • poijt-blank

Etymology of POINT-BLANK

The term "point-blank" has an interesting etymology with its origins dating back to the 16th century. It is a compound word comprising two components: "point" and "blank".

The word "point" comes from the Old French word "pointe", which means "sharp end" or "pointed tip". It can be traced back to the Latin word "punctum", meaning "prick" or "point".

The word "blank" comes from the Old French word "blanc", which means "white" or "shining". It is derived from the Late Latin word "blancus", meaning "bright" or "white".

In combination, "point-blank" was initially used in archery to describe the act of shooting an arrow directly at the target without any adjustment or calculation for distance. This usage dates back to the 1570s.

Idioms with the word POINT-BLANK

  • ask someone point-blank The idiom "ask someone point-blank" refers to asking a question directly, bluntly, and without any beating around the bush. It denotes asking a question in a straightforward manner, often leaving no room for ambiguity or evasion.
  • ask (or tell, etc.) someone point-blank The idiom "ask (or tell) someone point-blank" means to directly and bluntly ask or tell someone something without any hesitation or beating around the bush. It implies asking or telling something in a straightforward and clear manner, often with little consideration for politeness or diplomacy.
  • at point-blank range The idiom "at point-blank range" is used to describe a situation or an act in which someone is shot or targeted at an extremely close distance, typically resulting in little time or opportunity for the person being targeted to react or defend themselves. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to a direct, immediate, and often confrontational approach or action in non-physical contexts.

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