poignancy

[poin-yuhn-see, poin-uhn-]

noun

plural

poignancies 

1. the state or condition of being poignant.

2. a poignant moment, event, situation, or the like.

Word History and Origins

Origin of poignancy¹

First recorded in 1680–90; poign(ant) + -ancy

Example Sentences

That said, the moment when Didi and Gogo throw themselves into a frantic hug—as if only by touching one another can they be sure they still exist—has breathtaking poignancy.

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Indeed, to the author’s great credit, “The Colonel and the King” finds new levels of poignancy in their extraordinary, genre-eclipsing association.

Read more on Salon

Sycamore Gap had extra poignancy to Si because of another personal tragedy.

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He came on as an extra-time substitute before they won on penalties and that game now carries added poignancy as the final act of a stellar career cut short in its prime.

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Metcalf is the rare actor who can lunge after comedy without sacrificing the raw poignancy of her character.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pathos 
• sadness