poignant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poignant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that evokes a strong emotional response, often sadness or regret. Example: "The film's poignant ending left the audience in tears, reflecting on the fragility of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the most poignant images conjured in the collective consciousness from the sinking of the Titanic is that of the band continuing to play while the ship went down.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I thought there were also poignant moments there.

The Guardian - Film

The critic Elizabeth Hardwick praised "a haunting creation, rich with incident and human bafflement, played out in an immense detail of landscape rendered with poignant brilliance".

The Guardian - Books

Fletcher's first return to the club where he spent 15 years as a professional was tinged with tragedy – both sets of players wearing black armbands out of respect for the wife of the former United man Rio Ferdinand, who died on Friday – but also a poignant touch of humour as he lined up on the wrong side of the tunnel before kick-off.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a poignant image of FitzGerald a year or so after the signing of the agreement when he visited Northern Ireland amid tight security.

The Guardian

Always a contrived fiction, this sequence juxtaposes a poignant fantasy of a fully fit presenter with the merciless world of hard news.

The Guardian

His death is a personal tragedy for family and friends, but even for those who never met him nor sympathised with his politics, there is something horribly poignant about a talent wasted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Set on Waterloo station, in his hands it became far more than an observation piece, with a poignant story of a little boy lost and with elements of drama and realism that foreshadowed his subsequent work.

The Guardian

"It's poignant to think that this will be the last big year for most of the veterans.

The Guardian

Serendipitous, though, for it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the first broadcast of Father Ted, and seems to act as poignant if inadvertent tribute.

The Guardian - Opinion

That will be the major talking point when the sport travels to Monaco for next weekend's grand prix, with the opulent surroundings providing a poignant backdrop for those teams fighting for survival.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing creatively, consider using "poignant" to add depth and emotional resonance to your descriptions of memories, farewells, or moments of realization.

Common error

Avoid using "poignant" to describe simple sad events. The word implies a deeper, more reflective sadness, not just momentary unhappiness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "poignant" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that evokes a sharp sense of sadness, regret, or longing. Ludwig indicates that this is a commonly used adjective across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Academic sources

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poignant" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that evokes a blend of sadness, regret, and longing. According to Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct term frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for formal and creative writing, it's best used to convey emotional depth rather than simple sadness. When selecting alternatives, consider options like "touching" or "heartrending" to match the specific emotional tone. Avoid overusing "poignant" in simplistic contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Touching

Emphasizes the emotional impact and tenderness of a situation, differing from "poignant" in its gentler connotation.

Moving

Highlights the emotional effect of an experience, similar to "poignant" but with a broader application to uplifting or inspiring moments.

Heartrending

Focuses on the deep sorrow and emotional pain caused by something, indicating a more intense emotional impact than "poignant".

Distressing

Highlights the troubling or upsetting nature of something, emphasizing the negative emotional impact more directly than "poignant".

Sorrowful

Directly expresses sadness and grief, differing from "poignant" in its explicit focus on sorrow rather than a mix of emotions.

Melancholy

Describes a thoughtful sadness, often with a sense of longing or reflection, differing from "poignant" in its emphasis on introspection.

Pathos-filled

Emphasizes the quality of evoking pity or sadness, making it a more formal and literary alternative to "poignant".

Deeply affecting

Stresses the profound influence on emotions, similar to "poignant" but with a focus on the lasting impact.

Emotionally charged

Highlights the intense emotional atmosphere or content, differing from "poignant" in its emphasis on the overall emotional energy.

Bittersweet

Combines elements of sadness and happiness, indicating a more complex emotional experience than a purely "poignant" one.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "poignant" in a sentence?

Use "poignant" to describe situations or moments that evoke a blend of sadness, regret, and longing. For example, "The film's ending was particularly poignant, leaving many viewers in tears."

What are some alternatives to using "poignant" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "touching", "moving", or "heartrending" depending on the specific emotional nuance you want to convey.

Is "poignant" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "poignant" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing emotional depth or reflective moments. However, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "poignant" and "sad"?

"Poignant" implies a deeper, more complex emotional response that includes both sadness and a sense of longing or regret, while "sad" simply denotes unhappiness. Something "poignant" evokes a bittersweet feeling.