# poignant

/ˈpɔɪnjənt/ (US) · /pˈɔɪnjənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poignant
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

causing a strong feeling of sadness or regret. It describes something that touches your heart in a deep, painful way.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.