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English Lexicon

Point-blank

/ˌpɔɪntˈblæŋk/
adjectiveadverbCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Done at a very close distance, especially of a shot or weapon.

    "The witness was shot at point-blank range during the robbery."
As adverb
  1. 1

    In a direct and unequivocal manner; bluntly without qualification or hesitation.

    "She asked him point-blank if he had stolen the money."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Originating in the late 16th century from archery and early artillery, the term derives from the French phrase 'point blanc', meaning 'white mark' (referating to the white center of a target). Originally, it referred to a shot fired directly at a target horizontally without allowing for gravitational curve, later evolving metaphorically to mean direct, blunt, and unequivocal.

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