Search Result for "poignant": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (2)

1. arousing affect;
- Example: "the homecoming of the released hostages was an affecting scene"
- Example: "poignant grief cannot endure forever"
- Example: "his gratitude was simple and touching"
[syn: affecting, poignant, touching]

2. keenly distressing to the mind or feelings;
- Example: "poignant anxiety"



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Poignant \Poign"ant\, a. [F., p. pr. of poindre to sting, fr. L.
   pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent.]
   1. Pricking; piercing; sharp; pungent. "His poignant spear."
      --Spenser. "Poynaunt sauce." --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Fig.: Pointed; keen; satirical.
      [1913 Webster]

            His wit . . . became more lively and poignant. --Sir
                                                  W. Scott.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

poignant
    adj 1: arousing affect; "the homecoming of the released hostages
           was an affecting scene"; "poignant grief cannot endure
           forever"; "his gratitude was simple and touching" [syn:
           affecting, poignant, touching]
    2: keenly distressing to the mind or feelings; "poignant
       anxiety"