TRENCHANT: "Having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect"

By MsW

"Trenchant" is an adjective used to describe something that is sharply perceptive, keen, incisive, or forceful. It often refers to language, criticism, or analysis that is clear, vigorous, and effective.

Etymology: The word "trenchant" has Middle English and Old French origins. It is derived from the Old French word "trenchier," meaning "to cut," and it entered the English language in the sense of cutting or sharp in the 16th century.

Sample Sentences:

  1. The journalist's trenchant analysis of the political situation captured the attention of readers.

  2. Her trenchant wit and clever remarks made her a standout in the world of comedy.

  3. The professor's trenchant critique of the research methodology challenged the established norms.

  4. The CEO delivered a trenchant speech outlining the company's strategic goals and challenges.

  5. The author's trenchant prose left a lasting impact on the readers, provoking thought and reflection.

Synonyms: sharp, incisive, cutting, forceful

Antonyms: dull, blunt, ineffective

From the French: "to cut"

"trenchant criticism"
"a trenchant argument"
"trenchant distinctions between right and wrong"
trenchant \TREN-chunt\, adjective:
1. Characterized by or full of force and vigor; as, "a trenchant analysis."
2. Caustic; biting; severe; as, "trenchant criticism."
3. Distinct; clear-cut; clearly or sharply defined.
Her insistence that women's rights should be upheld universally, notwithstanding concerns about cultural diversity, led some to criticise her for being too narrowly entrenched within western liberalism, while others celebrated her trenchant defence of egalitarianism.
-- Judith Squires, "Susan Moller Okin", The Guardian, March 26, 2004
His revolutionary music, abrasive personality and trenchant writings about art and life divided the city into warring factions.
-- Jonathan Carr, Mahler: A Biography
Trenchant comes from Old French, from the present participle of trenchier, "to cut." It is related to trench.

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