adjective
trenchant
TREN-chunt/ˈtrentʃənt/
Sharp and forceful in expression or effect.
The engineer makes a trenchant point about the bridge model.
Etymology
Literally “cutting,” trenchant already had both literal and figurative sharpness in Old French. Applied to expression, that sharpness becomes penetrating perception and energetic, forceful language.
In context
her own experience of retail work as opposed to a Barbara. But I mean the truth is no one can be quite Barbara either. [laughter] She was incredibly amusing and trenchant.
More examples
- Her trenchant analysis exposes the flaws in the proposal.
- The columnist offers trenchant criticism of the city's housing policy.
- His reply is brief but trenchant.
Forms
trenchant
trenchantly adverb — In a sharp and forceful way.