# poignant

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ · frequency rank #20,460

## Definitions
1. Sharp-pointed; keen.
2. Neat; eloquent; applicable; relevant.
3. Evoking strong mental sensation, to the point of distress; emotionally moving.
4. Piquant, pungent.
5. Incisive; penetrating; piercing.
6. Inducing sharp physical pain.

## Etymology
From Middle English poynaunt, poynant, borrowed from Anglo-Norman puignant, poynaunt etc., present participle of poindre (“to prick”), from Latin pungō (“prick”). Doublet of pungent.

## Easily confused with
- **pregnant** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/poignant-vs-pregnant)

## Common misspellings (12)
`opignant`, `piognant`, `poginant`, `poigannt`, `poiggnant`, `poignannt`, `poignantt`, `poignatn`, `poignnant`, `poignnat`, `poingant`, `ppoignant`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/poignant