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Trenchant vs Pungent - What's the difference?

trenchant | pungent |

As adjectives the difference between trenchant and pungent

is that trenchant is (obsolete) fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp while pungent is having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.

trenchant

English

Alternative forms

* trenchaunt (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Fitted to trench or cut; gutting; sharp.
  • *1663 ,
  • *:The trenchant blade, Toledo trusty, / For want of fighting was grown rusty, / And ate into itself, for lack / Of somebody to hew and hack.
  • (figuratively) Keen]]; [[bite, biting; vigorously effective and articulate; severe; as, trenchant wit.
  • *1899 ,
  • *:His eyes, of the usual blue, were perhaps remarkably cold, and he certainly could make his glance fall on one as trenchant and heavy as an axe.

    • pungent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.
    • The lasagne included plenty of pungent garlic.
  • * 1991 , , Concrete: American Christmas , Dark Horse Books
    • I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent .
  • Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
  • Stinging; acerbic.
    • The critic gave a pungent review.
  • Having a sharp and stiff point.

    • Derived terms

    * pungence * pungently