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>
3. … this movie isn't a soft-pedaled, poignant tale of addiction and recovery—it's just about the addiction. —David Crowley, Vibe, June 2001
4. In a poignant attempt to split the difference between the two camps, Justices Breyer and David Souter tried to prevent the Court from destroying itself. —Jeffrey Rosen, New Republic, 25 Dec. 2000
5. I've witnessed the poignant efforts of young whites striving to conform to the vague tenets of the mainstream, taking crushingly dull jobs, settling down with the least challenging of spouses … —Jake Lamar, UTNE Reader, May/June 1992
6. … a new and sharper and most poignant sense of loss for that broken musical instrument which had once been my leg. —Oliver Sacks, A Leg to Stand On, 1984

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