Pointed

Pointed is an adjective describing something that has a point or sharp end, or something that is directed toward a target. It can also describe a style of writing or speaking that is sharp, incisive, or sharply relevant. The term derives from the noun point, via the verb point, with the suffix -ed indicating a characteristic.

In objects, pointed describes items with a sharp tip intended to pierce, cut, or probe. Examples include needles, pencils with sharp tips, arrows, spear tips, and the tips of blades. In geometry and architecture, a pointed form is one that converges to a tip, as in a pointed arch used in Gothic architecture, or a pointed vertex of a polygon.

In discourse, a pointed remark or question is one that draws attention to a flaw or a specific issue, often intended to provoke a response. A pointed critique is similarly direct and precise, sometimes conveying criticism more sharply than a neutral observation.

In biology, the word is used in descriptive phrases such as pointed leaves or pointed beaks, where a sharp terminate is functionally advantageous for a given task. In fashion or design, pointed shapes may appear in silhouettes or motifs, such as pointed collars or pointed shoes.