poignant
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:22 pm
mbpoign·ant /ˈpɔɪnyənt, ˈpɔɪnənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[poin-yuhnt, poi-nuhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective 1. keenly distressing to the feelings: poignant regret.
2. keen or strong in mental appeal: a subject of poignant interest.
3. affecting or moving the emotions: a poignant scene.
4. pungent to the smell: poignant cooking odors.
[Origin: 1350–1400; ME poynaunt < MF poignant, prp. of poindre < L pungere to prick, pierce. See pungent, -ant]
—Related forms
poign·ant·ly, adverb
—Synonyms 1. intense, sincere, heartfelt. 4. piquant, sharp.
—Antonyms 1, 2. mild.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.