Definition

Describing a feeling or sound that is sad and expresses sorrow or grief.

Example

The plaintive song echoed through the empty hall, filling everyone with a sense of sadness.

Conversation

Did you hear that plaintive song playing in the café yesterday?

Yeah, it really had a sad vibe to it.

I wonder what inspired the artist to write such a plaintive melody.

Maybe they were going through something tough when they created it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plaintive → It is formed from "plaint" (from Old French *plaint*, meaning a lament or complaint) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "plaintive" describes a sound or expression that has the nature of a lament or sorrowful complaint.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'lament' ('plaint') that has a 'nature' ('-ive') of sadness — that's why plaintive means expressing sorrow.

Visually Confused Words