adj
poignant
POY-nyuhnt
adj
1
Deeply moving, often with a touch of sadness.
"The film's final scene was quietly poignant."
"She wrote a poignant tribute to her late father."
2
Sharply relevant or incisive.
"His poignant observation cut right to the heart of the debate."
How to Use Poignant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that stirs up strong, often bittersweet, emotion.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "pungent" (a sharp smell or taste) — related in origin but different in meaning today.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
poignant moment
poignant reminder
deeply poignant
Word Forms
more poignant comparative, most poignant superlative
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The film's final scene was quietly _____.
Etymology
From Old French poindre, "to prick," from Latin pungere, "to pierce, sting" — the same root as "pungent."