poignantly
UK[ˈpɔɪn.jənt.li]US[ˈpɔɪn.jənt.li]
adv
in a way that evokes a keen sense of sadness or regret
adv
in a way that is sharply perceptive or deeply moving
Morpheme Breakdown
poign
ant
ly
poign
to prick, to sting
ant
adjective suffix
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
the word 'poignantly' traces its lineage to the latin verb 'pungere', meaning 'to prick or sting'. this literal sense of a sharp, physical puncture evolved metaphorically in old french as 'poignant', describing something that emotionally 'stings' or pierces the heart with sadness. the english adjective 'poignant' adopted this figurative meaning of keenly distressing or deeply affecting feeling. by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly', the word 'poignantly' was formed, describing an action performed in a manner that is sharply moving or perceptive to the point of emotional pain.
Analysis
Structure: poign (to prick, to sting) + ant (adjective suffix) + ly (adverb suffix)
poign originates from latin 'pungere', meaning 'to prick or sting'. ant is a suffix of latin origin used to form adjectives meaning 'performing (a specified action) or being (in a specified condition)'. ly is an old english suffix used to form adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
she spoke poignantly about the loss of her childhood home.
the film's final scene is poignantly beautiful.
he described the forgotten history of the place poignantly and with great detail.