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poignant

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

poignant

Main Entry:: poi·gnant
Pronunciation:: \ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere — more at pungent
Date:: 14th century

1: pungently pervasive <a poignant perfume>2 a (1): painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2): deeply affecting : touching b: designed to make an impression : cutting <poignant satire>3 a: pleasurably stimulating b: being to the point : apt

synonyms see pungent, moving

— poi·gnant·ly adverb

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