poignant


poi·gnant

adj
\ˈpi-nyənt sometimes ˈpi(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

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