poignant

Definitions

poign- is the French-shaped form of pungere (to prick) + -ant (the -ing ending) = "pricking." From Old French poignant, the word literally describes something that pricks. The sharp point has turned inward: a poignant scene pricks the heart sharply enough to bring tears.

Why It Means This

Poignant kept the prick of pungere but lost the blood. In Old French, poignant meant simply "pricking, piercing" — it could describe a sharp smell or a sharp blade. English narrowed it to one kind of sharpness: the kind that pierces your feelings. A poignant memory is one that stings the heart. The physical point became a purely emotional one.

Common Collocations

• 1.poignant reminder令人心酸的提醒
• 2.poignant moment感人至深的时刻
• 3.deeply poignant极为动人的
• 4.poignant story催人泪下的故事

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The film ends with a poignant scene of farewell.

• 2.

  Her letter was a poignant reminder of all we had lost.

• 3.

  There was something deeply poignant about the empty house.

Easily Confused

poignant vs. touching: both describe emotional scenes, but poignant carries an edge of sadness or loss — it pricks, it aches. Touching is warmer and gentler, often about kindness or affection (a touching gesture). A reunion can be touching; a final goodbye is poignant.