poignant
UK: ˈpɔɪn.jənt | US: ˈpɔɪn.jənt
adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply moving
adj. sharply perceptive or emotionally piercing
adj. (archaic) physically sharp or pungent
The word "poignant" traces back to the Latin pungere (to prick, pierce), which also gave rise to words like "puncture" and "pungent." Originally, it described physical sharpness (e.g., a poignant smell). Over time, it evolved metaphorically in Old French (poindre → poignant) to describe emotional sharpness—feelings that "pierce" the heart. The modern sense of "deeply moving" emerged in English by the 14th century, reflecting the word’s shift from physical to emotional intensity.
The poignant melody brought tears to her eyes.
His speech ended with a poignant tribute to fallen heroes.
The photograph captured a poignant moment of farewell.
The novel’s poignant ending lingered in my mind for days.
(Archaic) The chef added a poignant spice to the dish.