plaintive — expressing sadness or melancholy; mournful
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: expressing sadness or melancholy; mournful
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpleɪntɪv/
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
The lost puppy's plaintive whimper stopped everyone in the alley.
Plain person cries 'TIVE! TIVE!' plaintively on stage
Attentive care for plaintive tears is preventive.
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🎤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.
Breakdown
plaint (complaint, lament, from Old French plainte) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of') = plaintive (having the quality of expressing complaint or lamentation)
🎵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
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