— poignantly , adv.
/poyn"yeuhnt, poy"neuhnt/ , 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.
[ 1350-1400; ME poynaunt poignant, prp. of poindre pungere to prick, pierce. See PUNGENT, -ANT ]
Syn. 1. intense, sincere, heartfelt. 4. piquant, sharp.
Ant. 1, 2. mild.