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poignant

Syllabification: (poign·ant)
Pronunciation: /ˈpoinyənt/

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Definition of poignant

adjective

  • evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret:a poignant reminder of the passing of time
  • archaic sharp or pungent in taste or smell.

Derivatives

poignantly

Pronunciation: /-yəntlē/

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French, literally 'pricking', present participle of poindre, from Latin pungere 'to prick'

Remember that poignant is spelled with -gn- in the middle; the ending is -ant.

poignant in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of poignant in the British & World English dictionary

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