English vocabulary · B2
Poignant
/ˈpɔɪn.jənt/ · adj.
It means something is deeply moving and makes you feel both sad and beautiful at the same time.
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Example sentences
- The old photo was deeply poignant.
- Her poignant speech made everyone cry.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- poign — pierce (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- TOUCHING — moves your heart gently (Warm & Personal)
- MOVING — causes strong feelings (General & Emotional)
- BITTERSWEET — happy and sad at the same time (Mixed Emotion)
Words with the same root
pung — pierce
- puncture — a small hole made by something sharp
- pungent — having a sharp, strong smell or taste
- punctual — arriving at exactly the right time
Lesson notes
Poignant. It means something is deeply moving and makes you feel both sad and beautiful at the same time.
Similar words are touching, moving, and bittersweet. Use poignant when sadness and beauty mix together.
The old photo was deeply poignant. Her poignant speech made everyone cry.
From Old French. Poign- means pierce. A feeling that pierces your heart — that is poignant.