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Poignancy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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poignancy

[ˈpɔɪɡnənsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

emotions

The quality of evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

Synonyms

emotion, sadness, regret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poignancy

Suitable when describing a profound or touching emotional moment that has a deep, often bittersweet impact.

  • The poignancy of the film's final scene left the audience in tears.
  • There is a certain poignancy in reading old love letters.

Examples of usage

  • The poignancy of his words brought tears to her eyes.
  • The film captured the poignancy of lost love perfectly.
Context #2 | Noun

taste

A sharpness or pungency, as in the taste of food or drink.

Synonyms

sharpness, pungency, tanginess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poignancy

Use in situations that evoke strong emotions, often related to sadness or deep, touching moments.

  • Her speech was filled with poignancy, bringing tears to everyone's eyes
  • The poignancy of the old photographs was overwhelming

Examples of usage

  • The dish had a poignancy that lingered on the palate.
  • The wine's poignancy was too strong for her liking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'poignancy'

The word 'poignancy' originates from the Middle English word 'poynaunt,' which means pungent or sharp in taste. Over time, it evolved to encompass the emotional sense of evoking sadness or regret. The term has been used in literature and art to convey deep emotional impact and sharpness of taste.

See also: poignantly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,361, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.