Word
poignant
US/ˈpɔɪnjənt/
UK/pˈɔɪnjənt/
Definition
adj. causing a strong feeling of sadness or regret. It describes something that touches your heart in a deep, painful way.
adj. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply affecting the emotions. Often describes artistic works, memories, or moments of transition.
Examples
“The movie's ending was very poignant.”
“Seeing his old childhood home in such a state of decay was a poignant reminder of how much time had passed.”
“The photograph of the empty classroom served as a poignant symbol of the community's loss following the sudden closure of the local school.”
Examples
simple
“The movie's ending was very poignant.”
contextual
“Seeing his old childhood home in such a state of decay was a poignant reminder of how much time had passed.”
complex
“The photograph of the empty classroom served as a poignant symbol of the community's loss following the sudden closure of the local school.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“A beautiful, poignant, magical book for 9+, filled with love, grief and the natural world’s power to nurture hope.” “But perhaps the most poignant moment will be when the cortege passes through the streets on Saturday.” “This slow-burning, poignant romantasy debut is laced with fascinating, atmospheric Chinese folklore.” Etymology
From Middle English poynaunt, poynant, borrowed from Anglo-Norman puignant, poynaunt etc., present participle of poindre (“to prick”), from Latin pungō (“prick”). Doublet of pungent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/poignant