What does poignant mean Meaning and Definition
What does poignant mean
Pronunciation
/ˈpoʊʤɪnt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
What does poignant mean: (adjective) Able to create a strong feeling of sadness or regret; touching the heart or emotions in a deep way.
Examples
- The story was poignant because of the characters’ tragic fate.
- The poem’s poignant lyrics evoked a sense of sorrow in the listeners.
Synonyms
- Touching
- Emotional
- Moving
Antonyms
- Cold
- Insensitive
- Unfeeling
Etymology
The word ‘poignant’ originated from the Latin ‘pungere,’ meaning ‘to prick’ or ‘to pierce.’ It entered the English language in the 15th century and initially described something that pricked or pierced the emotions.
Usage Notes
Poignant is often used to describe a strong emotional response to a piece of writing, a work of art, or a personal experience. It can also be used to describe a memory that evokes a deep sense of sadness or regret.
Cultural References
Poignant has appeared in various works of literature and art, including Patrick Ness’s novel ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ and James Joyce’s novel ‘Ulysses.’ It has also been used in film and music to describe the emotional impact of a scene or song.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘A poignant moment’ is a common idiom that describes a moment that evokes strong emotions.
Related Words or Phrases
‘Emotional,’ ‘touching,’ and ‘moving’ are related words that convey a sense of strong emotional response.
Collocations
‘Poignant moment,’ ‘poignant memory,’ and ‘poignant lyrics’ are common collocations that use the word ‘poignant’ to describe a strong emotional response.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘poignant’ is moderately used in modern language, particularly in contexts where emotional impact is being described.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspelling of ‘poignant’ is ‘poignanty,’ which is not a valid word.
Additional Information
The word ‘poignant’ is often used in literary and artistic contexts to describe a work that evokes strong emotions. It can also be used in personal experiences, such as remembering a lost loved one. Poignant moments can be both beautiful and painful, and they can leave a lasting impact on a person’s life.
Philosophers have discussed the concept of poignant experiences and how they relate to human emotions and the nature of reality. They argue that poignant moments can provide insights into the human condition and the complexities of human emotions.
In addition to its literary and philosophical applications, ‘poignant’ is also used in everyday language to describe a range of emotional experiences. Whether it’s the pain of losing a loved one or the joy of experiencing a beautiful work of art, the word ‘poignant’ is an essential tool for describing the complexities of human emotions.
Ultimately, the word ‘poignant’ is a powerful tool for understanding and describing the human experience. Its nuanced meaning and rich history make it an essential word in any language.