noun

point

The purpose that makes something worth doing.

She sees no point in repairing the broken plastic toy.

Etymology

Point developed senses of a central detail, aim, or issue. The purpose sense asks what meaningful aim an action reaches or serves.

More examples

  • What is the point of this exercise?
  • There was little point in arguing further.
  • Your explanation misses the whole point of the rule.

Forms

point · points

Similar words

purpose
States the intended reason for doing something more directly.
aim
Aim emphasizes an intended outcome rather than the reason or usefulness of an activity.