poignancy

UK: /ˈpɔɪnjənsi/ US: (poin′yən sē, poin′ən-)

Inflections of 'poignancy' (n): npl: poignancies

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

poign•an•cy  (poin′yən sē, poin′ən-), n., pl. -cies for 2.

1. the state or condition of being poignant.
2. a poignant moment, event, situation, or the like.

• poign(ant) + -ancy 1680–90

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

poign•ant /ˈpɔɪnyənt, ˈpɔɪnənt/   adj. 

1. sharply distressing to the feelings;
   causing sadness.
2. affecting the emotions:
   a poignant scene in the movie.

poign•an•cy, n. [uncountable]
poign•ant•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

poign•ant  (poin′yənt, poi′nənt), adj. 

1. keenly distressing to the feelings:
   poignant regret.
2. keen or strong in mental appeal:
   a subject of poignant interest.
3. affecting or moving the emotions:
   a poignant scene.
4. pungent to the smell:
   poignant cooking odors.

• Latin pungere to prick, pierce. See pungent, -ant
• Middle French poignant, present participle of poindre
• Middle English poynaunt 1350–1400

poign′ant•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. intense, sincere, heartfelt.
• 4. piquant, sharp.

Antonyms

• 1, 2. mild.