YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

poignant

Adjective

IPA /ˈpɔɪnjənt/

Understand it. Say it. Use it.

UNDERSTAND THE WORD

Meaning in plain English

Producing a deep emotional response, especially sadness mixed with affection or a sense of loss.

SAY IT ALOUD

Pronunciation

poignant/ˈpɔɪnjənt/

PICTURE THE IDEA

See the meaning

Follow the idea

An old photograph of a loved one
Affection mixed with sadness

A poignant memory touches you deeply, often with a sense of loss.

SEE IT IN EVERYDAY ENGLISH

Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

Finding her father's old recipe book was a poignant moment.
The film's poignant final scene prompted a thoughtful discussion in class.

MAKE IT STICK

Quick word quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the word?

Complete the example using the word from this lesson.

Finding her father's old recipe book was a ________ moment.

Show the answer

poignant — Producing a deep emotional response, especially sadness mixed with affection or a sense of loss.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “poignant” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Producing a deep emotional response, especially sadness mixed with affection or a sense of loss.

Compare: Finding her father's old recipe book was a poignant moment.

Check the spelling and how the word fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

Word origin

From Old French poignant, literally pricking, ultimately Latin pungere, meaning to prick.

Did you know?

A poignant reminder is something that brings a moving memory or feeling to mind.

Explore related words

Open a word’s lesson when available, or explore entries that use the related term.

Make the word your own

Say the word aloud and read an example sentence.
Write a new sentence about something familiar to you.
Cover the meaning and try explaining the word in your own words.

Continue with the app’s practice check, then try a sentence of your own to mark this word complete.

Practise this word in the app

Completion and saved words stay in this browser on this device.