Pungently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pungently

[ˈpʌnʤəntli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a strong, sharp, or penetrating way

Pungently is an adverb that describes something with a strong, sharp, or penetrating quality. It is often used to characterize smells, tastes, or speech that is intense and powerful.

Synonyms

intensely, penetratingly, sharply.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pungently	Use 'pungently' to describe a strong, often unpleasant smell or taste. The cheese smelled pungently, filling the room with its strong aroma. The pungently spicy soup brought tears to her eyes.
sharply	Use 'sharply' to describe something done in a sudden or intense manner, whether it be a sound, a look, or a manner of speaking. She turned sharply at the sound of the door slamming. He spoke sharply, causing her to flinch.
penetratingly	Use 'penetratingly' to describe something that deeply affects the senses or the mind; often used for sounds, glances, or insights. Her voice was penetratingly loud, causing everyone to turn and look. He gazed at her penetratingly, as if trying to see into her soul.
intensely	Use 'intensely' to describe something done with a lot of effort, emotion, or focus. He stared at the painting intensely, trying to understand its meaning. They worked intensely on the project to meet the deadline.

Examples of usage

The onions were chopped so finely that they pungently perfumed the entire kitchen.
She spoke pungently about the injustices she had witnessed.
The cheese had a pungently tangy flavor that lingered on the palate.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

having a sharp taste or smell

Pungently as an adjective describes something that has a strong or sharp taste or smell. It implies a bold and intense sensory experience that can be both appealing and overwhelming.

Synonyms

boldly, sharply, strongly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pungently	Use this word to describe a very strong, often unpleasant smell or taste, that hits your senses immediately. The cheese smelled pungently as soon as he opened the fridge. The sauce tasted pungently of garlic.
strongly	This word is best for expressing something done with great force, intensity, or conviction. It can describe emotions, opinions, actions, or reactions. She strongly believed in the cause. The wind blew strongly, rattling the windows.
sharply	This word can be used to describe something done with precision, quickness, or harshness, such as a sudden movement or a critical comment. He turned the car sharply to avoid the obstacle. She spoke sharply, criticizing his work.
boldly	This term is used to describe actions done with confidence and courage, often standing out or taking risks. She boldly walked into the meeting to present her ideas. He made a bold statement about the company's future.

Examples of usage

The curry was pungently spiced with a mix of exotic herbs and peppers.
The flowers emitted a pungently sweet fragrance that attracted bees from afar.
The cheese had a pungently salty aroma that made mouths water.

Translations

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

Origin of 'pungently'

The word 'pungently' originates from the Latin word 'pungere' meaning 'to prick' or 'to sting'. Over time, it evolved to describe strong, sharp, or penetrating qualities in taste, smell, or speech. The use of 'pungently' has been documented in English language since the 17th century, reflecting its enduring relevance in expressing intense sensory experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,143, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38140 crooner
38141 porringer
38142 congruently
38143 pungently
38144 spinsterhood
38145 frailer
38146 trumping
...