to point at/to someone

[proftom001]

Dear Teacher,
I would like to know what the difference between "to point at someone" and "to point to someone".Also,there is an expression "to point out someone".Are they interchangeable or totally different?
Thanks for your answer in advance

 

[konungursvia]

Point at- using your index finger to indicate someone, usually in a manner taken as impolite, because they see you pointed at them.
Point to- using the index finger in the same way, discreetly, so that only the person you're helping notices the finger.
Point out- using any means, including words, to draw your interlocutor's attention to someone. For example, at the opera, "Look at the lady with the huge pink hat."

 

[MikeNewYork]

Point at- using your index finger to indicate someone, usually in a manner taken as impolite, because they see you pointed at them.
Point to- using the index finger in the same way, discreetly, so that only the person you're helping notices the finger.
Point out- using any means, including words, to draw your interlocutor's attention to someone. For example, at the opera, "Look at the lady with the huge pink hat."

"Point to" can also mean "implcate". All the evidence points to John Jones being the murderer.

 

[proftom001]

Thanks you very much for your answers.I managed to understand the difference now.