plaintive — expressing sadness or melancholy; mournful
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: expressing sadness or melancholy; mournful
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpleɪntɪv/
Korean meaning: 슬프거나 애절한, 애수에 찬
Korean pronunciation: **플레**인티브
Example Sentences
- The cat's plaintive meowing at 3 AM made me realize it was probably commenting on my life choices.
- Her plaintive letter to customer service about the broken coffee machine was so touching that they sent her a free replacement.
- The violinist played a plaintive piece that moved the entire audience to tears.
plaintive
ADJECTIVE//ˈpleɪntɪv//
expressing sadness or melancholy; mournful
A woman's plaintive expression shows her heartbreak in the rain
Plain person cries 'TIVE! TIVE!' plaintively on stage
Attentive care for plaintive tears is preventive.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'plaintif' meaning 'complaining' or 'lamenting,' derived from Latin 'plangere' meaning 'to strike' or 'to bewail.' The word entered English through Norman French legal terminology where it referred to the complaining party in a lawsuit.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The cat's plaintive meowing at 3 AM made me realize it was probably commenting on my life choices.”
“Her plaintive letter to customer service about the broken coffee machine was so touching that they sent her a free replacement.”
“The violinist played a plaintive piece that moved the entire audience to tears.”
“My stomach's plaintive growling during the silent meditation session was embarrassingly loud.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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