Words / C1

POYN-y-uh-nt/ˈpɔɪnjənt/

Poignant means evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or pity: a poignant wreath, a poignant caption. Moving (already in the dictionary) is everyday; ceremony is not invigilation.

Meaning

Evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or pity (from moving, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A poignant wreath is ceremony, not invigilation; name the spare.”
• “Moving is already in this course. Touching is the close twin. A wreath is ceremony. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then hang the wreath if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Sharply moving or sad. Everyday: moving (already in the dictionary). A wreath ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

moving, touching, affecting

New