poignant — evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɔɪnjənt/
Example Sentences
- His graduation speech was so poignant that even the strictest teachers were wiping their eyes.
- The poignant sight of a grown man crying over spilled ice cream reminded us all of childhood innocence.
- The movie's poignant ending left the entire audience in emotional silence.
poignant
ADJECTIVE[/ˈpɔɪnjənt/]
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; emotionally touching
Deeply touching emotional moment
In the fragrant garden, a pregnant woman's poignant tears
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'poignant', the present participle of 'poindre' meaning 'to prick' or 'to sting', derived from Latin 'pungere' meaning 'to pierce' or 'to prick'. The word evolved to describe something that pierces the emotions.
Breakdown
Latin 'pungere' (to pierce/prick) + -ant (suffix indicating quality/state) = poignant (piercing to the emotions; keenly felt)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His graduation speech was so poignant that even the strictest teachers were wiping their eyes.”
“The poignant sight of a grown man crying over spilled ice cream reminded us all of childhood innocence.”
“The movie's poignant ending left the entire audience in emotional silence.”
“There's something poignant about watching your parents try to use smartphones for the first time.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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