英和和英

語源

From 中期英語 pointles, poynteles, poyntlees. By surface analysis, point +‎ -less.

発音

• enPR: pointʹləs, IPA: /ˈpɔɪntləs/

形容詞

pointless (comparative more pointless, superlative most pointless)

1. Having no point or sharp tip; terminating squarely or in a rounded end.

   a pointless sword

   a pointless knife

2. Having no prominent or important feature, as of an argument, discourse, etc.

   a pointless remark

   The sequel to the film was even more pointless than the original

   • 2017, Hernan Diaz, In the Distance, Daunt Books (2018), page 304:

     Even the numerous drunkards and beggars seemed to be in a hurry, stumbling from one side of the street to the other with pointless resolution or, with businesslike expeditiousness, soliciting money and food from strangers.

3. Having no purpose; purposeless; unable to effect an aim.

   Since the decision has already been made, further discussion seems pointless.

4. (sports, games) Having no points

   After four matches and four defeats, United remain pointless at the foot of the table.

5. (mathematics) Without points.

   a pointless topology

6. (programming, derogatory) Point-free; employing the tacit programming paradigm.

同意語

• (having no point or tip): blunt, dull, obtuse
• (having no purpose): futile, needless, purposeless, redundant, superfluous
• (mathematics: without points): point-free

反意語

• (antonym(s) of “not sharp”): pointed, sharp
• (antonym(s) of “having no purpose”): worthwhile, useful, pointful

派生語

• pointless topology
• pointlessly
• pointlessness

Further reading

• “pointless”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
• William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin E[li] Smith, editors (1911), “pointless”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC.