Poignant
Weddings, funerals, and old voicemails can hit this emotional note where beauty and ache share one sentence.
Learn This WordMeaning
Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; sharply affecting or moving.
Memory trick
Think “POINt”, poignant moments “point” and prick your heart like a sharp point.
Examples
The film ends with a poignant scene of quiet reconciliation.
His speech was poignant because it was specific and honest.
Old photos can be poignant reminders of how quickly time passes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From French poignant "piercing," present participle of poindre "to prick," from Latin pungere "to prick."
Usage Notes
Great for describing moments, memories, stories, or observations that “sting” emotionally in a meaningful way.
Real-life contexts
Describe art: "That ending was really poignant."
Describe memories: "It’s poignant to revisit places you’ve outgrown."
Praise communication: "That was a poignant point, simple and true."
Common Mistakes
Poignant is not the same as “profound.” Something can be poignant (emotionally sharp) without being philosophically deep.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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