- Today's Word
Trenchant
TREN-chunt
Definition
(adjective) Incisive, sharp, and forcefully clear in expression.
Example
Her trenchant editorial exposed the flaws in the policy with unflinching clarity.
Fun Fact
Trenchant comes from the French trencher, meaning “to cut.” In earlier English, it referred to actual weapons—“trenchant blades.” Now it applies to writing, arguments, and insights that cut through fluff and land hard. It’s often used as praise in political commentary or literary criticism for thought that’s sharp but not cruel.
(adjective) Giving a sign or warning that something momentous, often negative, is likely to happen; ominous.
The sudden silence before the storm felt portentous, as if the air itself were holding its breath.
Portentous comes from the Latin portentosus, meaning “full of omens,” derived from portentum, a sign or warning of future events. In ancient times, portents were believed to be messages from the gods—unusual natural occurrences that signaled major change, disaster, or destiny.