Vocabulary word Poignant - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Expressions Of Emotion

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GRE 7 (Graduate Record Examination)

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SAT 11 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Suffix -ant

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Dictionary Definition of poignant

Evoking a strong emotional response, often a feeling of sadness or nostalgia.
"The poignant lyrics of the song made her tear up."

Detailed Meaning of Poignant

It refers to a situation in which something has a deeply affecting or emotional impact on someone, leaving a lasting impression or memory. For example, a poignant memory might be a cherished moment from the past that is remembered with a sense of nostalgia or longing. Alternatively, a poignant experience might be a moment of profound sadness or loss, such as the death of a loved one or a traumatic event. The adjective "poignant" suggests a sense of emotional intensity or depth, and implies that something has touched someone deeply on an emotional level. It is often used in discussions of literature, art, and culture, where the power of emotion and the human experience are explored in depth.

Example Sentences for Poignant

1. The poignant image of the abandoned house brought back many childhood memories.
2. The documentary delivered a poignant reminder of the hardships endured during the war.
3. His poignant song lyrics brought tears to my eyes.
4. The poignant smell of my grandmother's perfume filled the room.
5. A poignant sense of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through my old photo albums.
6. The film's poignant ending left the audience in stunned silence.

Origin and Etymology of Poignant

The adjective 'poignant' has a poignant etymology rooted in Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'poindre,' which means 'to prick' or 'to sting.' This word, in turn, finds its origins in the Latin 'pungere,' which also means 'to prick' or 'to pierce.' The term 'poignant' has retained this sense of piercing or penetrating emotion. When we describe something as 'poignant,' we mean that it evokes a strong emotional response, often one of sadness, nostalgia, or deep feeling. The etymology of 'poignant' beautifully captures the idea that certain experiences or moments can feel as though they pierce through our emotional barriers, leaving a lasting and poignant impression on our hearts and minds.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective poignant:

unemotional

bland

dull

touching

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Poignant

1. Her poignant words at the memorial service touched everyone's hearts.
2. It was a poignant moment when he finally said goodbye.
3. The poignant story of their struggle and triumph is truly inspiring.
4. The novel was filled with poignant moments of love and loss.
5. The poignant portrait of the old man evoked feelings of both sorrow and joy.
6. A poignant poem can often express feelings that are hard to put into words.
7. Her poignant performance moved the audience to tears.
8. The poignant narrative of the refugees' plight raises awareness and compels action.
9. The poignant tribute to the deceased soldier was truly moving.
10. The poignant scent of the ocean reminded him of his childhood summers.
11. His poignant letter expressing his feelings was a heartfelt confession.
12. A poignant depiction of the mother's love was the central theme of the painting.
13. The poignant scene of the reunion after years of separation was truly emotional.
14. She penned a poignant tale of resilience in the face of adversity.