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point up

C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To make something clearer or more obvious so people pay attention to it

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic formal

To emphasize or draw special attention to a quality, problem, or contrast

"The study's findings point up the urgent need for greater investment in public mental health services."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Chiefly used in formal, academic, or journalistic writing. Less common than 'point out' and rarely heard in everyday conversation. Often implies that a contrast, weakness, or irony is being stressed. More common in British English.

Commonly used with

contrast weakness irony paradox difference flaw necessity

Forms

Base
point up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
points up
he/she/it
Past simple
pointed up
yesterday
Past participle
pointed up
have + pp
-ing form
pointing up
continuous

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