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Plaintive: meaning, definitions and examples

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plaintive

 

[ ˈpleɪn.tɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

emotional expression

The term 'plaintive' describes a sound or expression that conveys a sense of sorrow or sadness. It is often used to depict a mournful tone in music, literature, or speech. This adjective evokes feelings of longing or melancholy, making it powerful in artistic contexts. When something is plaintive, it has an undeniable emotional weight that can resonate with an audience.

Synonyms

melancholic, mournful, sad, sorrowful, woeful

Examples of usage

  • The plaintive notes of the violin filled the room.
  • She gave a plaintive cry for help.
  • His plaintive look spoke volumes about his sorrow.

Translations

Translations of the word "plaintive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 languido

🇮🇳 दुखदायक

🇩🇪 klagend

🇮🇩 merana

🇺🇦 плачучий

🇵🇱 żałosny

🇯🇵 悲しげな

🇫🇷 plaintif

🇪🇸 lánguido

🇹🇷 ağlamaklı

🇰🇷 애절한

🇸🇦 مؤلم

🇨🇿 naříkavý

🇸🇰 zarmútený

🇨🇳 悲哀的

🇸🇮 žalosten

🇮🇸 sorgmæddur

🇰🇿 қайғылы

🇬🇪 ტირილი

🇦🇿 ağrılı

🇲🇽 melancólico

Word origin

The word 'plaintive' originates from the Latin word 'planctivus,' which means 'to lament.' This term evolved through Old French, where it was developed into 'plaintif,' meaning 'complaining or lamenting.' The essence of lamentation is at the heart of its definition, as it encapsulates the notion of expressing grief, sorrow, or distress. The typical use of 'plaintive' can be traced back to the early 19th century when it began to gain traction in English literature and poetry as a way to describe deep emotional expressions. Literary figures and poets found this term particularly useful in conveying the complexities of human emotion and the experience of longing or loss. Even today, 'plaintive' remains a powerful descriptor in both literary and musical contexts, effectively illustrating sentiments of sadness and melancholy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,573, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.