poignant

poi·gnant

adj
\ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\

Definition of POIGNANT

1

: pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>

2

a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2) : deeply affecting : touching b : designed to make an impression : cutting <poignant satire>

3

a : pleasurably stimulating b : being to the point : apt

— poi·gnant·ly adverb

Examples of POIGNANT

1. The photograph was a poignant reminder of her childhood.
2. <a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy>

Origin of POIGNANT

Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere — more at pungent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to POIGNANT

Synonyms: affecting, emotional, impactful, impressive, moving, stirring, touching

Antonyms: unaffecting, unemotional, unimpressive

Related Words: eloquent, expressive, meaningful, significant; demonstrative, excitable, feeling, passionate, responsive, sensitive; exciting, inspirational, provoking, rousing, stimulating; dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic, theatrical (also theatric); cathartic

Near Antonyms: cold, cool, detached, dispassionate, emotionless; deadpan

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at pungent, moving