poignant

Poignant is an adjective used to describe something that evokes a keen sense of sadness, regret, or deeply felt emotion. It can refer to experiences, memories, or scenes in literature or film, as well as to sensory impressions that feel sharp or piercing, such as a poignant aroma. The emotional effect is central: a poignant moment often lingers in the mind and invites reflection.

Etymology: from Middle French poignant, from Old French poindre “to prick, sting,” ultimately from Latin pungere “to poke, stab.” The sense broadened from physical sharpness to emotional impact in English.

Usage notes: Poignant typically describes something moving, bittersweet, or elegiac. It is sometimes used for sensory impressions that feel piercing as well as for memories or narratives. It should not be confused with pungent, which relates to taste or smell, though both share a sense of sharpness in their roots.

Examples and usage: a poignant farewell, a poignant memory, a poignant scene in a film. The adverb form is poignantly. Related terms include poignancy (the quality of being poignant) and poignantly as an adverbial form.

Synonyms and contrasts: moving, touching, affecting, heart-rending, bittersweet. Antonyms include dull, bland, indifferent, or unmoving. While poignant and pungent share an etymological link, poignant primarily conveys emotional or perceptual sharpness rather than a harsh taste or odor.