plaintive
/'pleintiv/
Definition
Adjective: - Expressing sorrow or melancholy; having a mournful, sad, or wistful sound or quality.
Usage
The adjective "plaintive" is used to describe sounds, music, voices, cries, or expressions that convey a sense of sadness, longing, or gentle sorrow. It often implies a soft, mournful quality that evokes pity or sympathy.
Examples
- The plaintive cry of the loon echoed across the lake at dusk.
- She sang a plaintive folk song that moved the entire audience.
- In his letter, there was a plaintive tone, as if he missed home terribly.
- The plaintive melody of the violin filled the concert hall.
Advanced Usage
- "Plaintively" (Adverb): In a manner expressing sorrow or melancholy.
- He sighed plaintively, wishing things were different.
- "Plaintiveness" (Noun): The quality of being plaintive.
Variants and Related Words
- Lamenting: Expressing grief or sorrow.
- Mournful: Feeling or expressing sorrow, often for someone's death.
- Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
- Wistful: Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Synonyms
- Mournful
- Melancholy
- Sad
- Sorrowful
- Wailing
- Woeful
Antonyms
- Joyful
- Cheerful
- Happy
- Jubilant
Idioms and Phrases
- A plaintive note: A sad or mournful element within something (e.g., music, speech, writing).
- His speech ended on a plaintive note, acknowledging the difficulties ahead.
Adjective
-
expressing sorrow
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "plaintive"
Từ có nhắc đến "plaintive"
