Definition

In a way that expresses sadness or sorrow.

Example

She spoke plaintively about her lost pet.

Conversation

I heard you singing that song again last night.

Yeah, I just love it, even if it sounds a bit plaintively sometimes.

It really does have that sad vibe, doesn’t it?

Definitely, but that's what makes it so beautiful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plaintively → It is formed from "plaint" (from Old French *plaint*, meaning a lament or complaint) and "-ively" (a suffix forming adverbs, meaning in a manner of). The word "plaintively" means in a manner that expresses sorrow or lamentation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone expressing a 'lament' ('plaint') in a sorrowful way — that's why plaintively means to do so in a sad manner.

Visually Confused Words