Part of Speech

"De punto" is a prepositional phrase in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/de ˈpunto/

Translation Options into English

• of point
• at point
• by point

Meaning and Usage

"De punto" translates literally to "of point." This phrase is versatile and commonly used in various contexts in Spanish. Some meanings include indicating a specific point or detail. It can often be found in both oral and written communication but is more frequently utilized in conversational contexts, especially among speakers discussing topics that require precision, specification, or details.

Example Sentences

1. La reunión es de punto en la agenda.
   The meeting is at point in the agenda.

2. Este texto está de punto para los estudiantes recién llegados.
   This text is by point for the newly arrived students.

3. Asegúrate de que el proyecto esté de punto antes de enviarlo.
   Make sure the project is at point before sending it.

Idiomatic Expressions

"De punto" is often present in idiomatic expressions, particularly those related to precision and details.

Examples of Idiomatic Expressions

1. De punto en blanco
   This expression means 'in broad daylight' or 'clearly visible.'

2. El ladrón fue arrestado de punto en blanco.
   The thief was arrested in broad daylight.

3. De punto a punto
   It refers to the idea of covering details thoroughly, from start to finish.

4. El informe debe contener la información de punto a punto.
   The report must contain the information from start to finish.

5. De punto crítico
   This means 'at a critical point,' often used in discussions about situations that require urgent attention or decisions.

6. La situación está de punto crítico y necesita intervención inmediata.
   The situation is at a critical point and needs immediate intervention.

7. De un punto a otro
   This expression means 'from one point to another,' indicating a transition or movement.

8. Se desplazó de un punto a otro sin problemas.
   He moved from one point to another without problems.

9. De punto muerto
   Used to describe a standstill or deadlock in discussions.

10. La negociación quedó de punto muerto después de varias horas.
    The negotiation reached a deadlock after several hours.

Etymology

The term "punto" comes from the Latin "punctum," which means "point" or "dot." It evolved in the Spanish language to retain its general meaning of point and has developed various usages in idiomatic expressions.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - de aspecto - de detalle
- de precisión

Antonyms: - de vaguedad (of vagueness) - de generalidad (of generality)