poignant

The definition of poignant is something that has a strong effect on emotions or the senses, especially smell.

(adjective)

An example of poignant is the anniversary of September 11th for those who lost loved ones in the 2001 attacks.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See poignant in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

    1. sharp or pungent to the smell or, formerly, the taste
    2. keenly affecting the other senses: poignant beauty
    1. sharply painful to the feelings; piercing
    2. evoking pity, compassion, etc.; emotionally touching or moving
  1. sharp, biting, penetrating, pointed, etc.: poignant wit

Origin: ME poynant < MFr poignant, prp. of poindre < L pungere, to prick: see point

Related Forms:

See poignant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. a. Profoundly moving; touching: a poignant memory. See Synonyms at moving.
    b. Physically painful: “Keen, poignant agonies seemed to shoot from his neck downward” (Ambrose Bierce).
    c. Keenly distressing to the mind or feelings: poignant anxiety.
  2. Piercing; incisive: poignant criticism.
  3. a. Neat, skillful, and to the point: poignant illustrations supplementing the text.
    b. Astute and pertinent; relevant: poignant suggestions.
  4. Agreeably intense or stimulating: poignant delight.
  5. Archaic
    a. Sharp or sour to the taste; piquant.
    b. Sharp or pungent to the smell.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English poinaunt

Origin: , from Old French poignant

Origin: , present participle of poindre, to prick

Origin: , from Latin pungere; see peuk- in Indo-European roots

.

Related Forms:

  • poignˈance, poignˈan·cy noun
  • poignˈant·ly adverb

Learn more about poignant

link/cite print suggestion box