Pungency
noun
The quality of having a strong, sharp smell or taste that is often so strong that it is unpleasant.
The pungency of the garlic can make your eyes water.
Often appears as...
- pungency of garlic
- pungency of spices
noun
The power to affect the mind or emotions strongly.
The pungency of her words left him speechless.
Often appears as...
- pungency of words
- pungency of remarks
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
The quality of having a strong, sharp smell or taste that is often so strong that it is unpleasant.
The pungency of the garlic can make your eyes water.
Often appears as...
- pungency of garlic
- pungency of spices
noun
The power to affect the mind or emotions strongly.
The pungency of her words left him speechless.
Often appears as...
- pungency of words
- pungency of remarks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity in Taste/Smell
Use 'pungency' to describe very strong, sometimes overwhelming taste or smell from foods or substances.
The pungency of raw onions overwhelmed the salad's other flavors.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It often implies an unpleasant or harsh experience for the senses.
Many people avoid horseradish due to its pungency.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Bad
In some contexts, pungency adds desired flavor, like in certain cuisines.
The pungency of the chili is what makes this dish authentic.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity in Taste/Smell
Use 'pungency' to describe very strong, sometimes overwhelming taste or smell from foods or substances.
The pungency of raw onions overwhelmed the salad's other flavors.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It often implies an unpleasant or harsh experience for the senses.
Many people avoid horseradish due to its pungency.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Bad
In some contexts, pungency adds desired flavor, like in certain cuisines.
The pungency of the chili is what makes this dish authentic.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity in Taste/Smell
Use 'pungency' to describe very strong, sometimes overwhelming taste or smell from foods or substances.
The pungency of raw onions overwhelmed the salad's other flavors.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It often implies an unpleasant or harsh experience for the senses.
Many people avoid horseradish due to its pungency.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Bad
In some contexts, pungency adds desired flavor, like in certain cuisines.
The pungency of the chili is what makes this dish authentic.
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Quote examples
Walter Murch
American Editor
One of the rules of the road is that if you want to create the sense of silence, it frequently has more pungency if you include the tiniest of sounds. By manipulating what you hear and how you hear it and what other things you don't hear, you can not only help tell the story, you can help the audience get into the mind of the character.
Quote examples
E. F. Benson
English Novelist
Young gentlemen with literary aspirations usually start a new university magazine, which for wit and pungency is designed to eclipse all such previous efforts, and I was no exception in the matter of this popular gambit.
Quote examples
Walter Murch
American Editor
One of the rules of the road is that if you want to create the sense of silence, it frequently has more pungency if you include the tiniest of sounds. By manipulating what you hear and how you hear it and what other things you don't hear, you can not only help tell the story, you can help the audience get into the mind of the character.
Quote examples
E. F. Benson
English Novelist
Young gentlemen with literary aspirations usually start a new university magazine, which for wit and pungency is designed to eclipse all such previous efforts, and I was no exception in the matter of this popular gambit.
Example 1 of 2
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