Definition

Having a sound that is sad and mournful, often loud and resonant.

Example

The plangent melody of the violin filled the room with a sense of longing.

Conversation

Have you heard that new song by the band?

Yeah, it has such a plangent melody, doesn't it?

Absolutely, it really evokes a sense of nostalgia.

I know! It’s amazing how music can make you feel so deeply.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plangent is derived from the Latin "plangere" (meaning to strike or beat) and the suffix "-ent" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word describes a sound that is strikingly mournful or plaintive, as if it is beating upon the heart.

Memory Tip

Think of a sound that 'strikes' ('plangere') you with its sadness — that's why plangent describes a mournful sound.

Visually Confused Words