Plaintive for Dummies
adjective
pronunciation: 'pleɪntɪvWhat does Plaintive really mean?
Plaintive means a word used to describe a sound or a voice, which has a sad, mournful, or even a wailing quality to it. Imagine hearing someone singing a song in such a way that you can feel their sadness or sorrow deep within your heart. That is what a plaintive sound or voice does. It communicates deep emotions, like sadness, longing, or even despair in a way that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you empathize with the person or thing producing the sound.
Now, let me give you an example. Picture a lonely bird sitting on a branch, singing its song. But rather than a joyful melody, the bird's song is filled with a plaintive tone. It's as if the bird is pouring out its sorrows through its song, and you can't help but feel a pang of sadness as you listen. That's the power of a plaintive sound or voice - it arouses strong feelings of sympathy and understanding in the listener.
But that's not the only meaning of plaintive. It can also describe something that is expressed or done in a way that seeks pity or sympathy from others. It's like when someone is talking about their problems or difficulties, not to find a solution, but purely to gain the sympathy or attention of others. In this case, the person's words or actions have a plaintive quality because they are meant to evoke a sense of pity or sympathy in those who hear or see them.
So, to summarize, plaintive refers to a sound or a voice that has a sad, mournful, or wailing quality to it, stirring up deep emotions in the listener. It can also describe something that seeks pity or sympathy from others, like expressing one's problems or difficulties just to gain attention rather than finding a solution. Remember, whenever you come across the word "plaintive," think of a sound or a voice that speaks to your emotions and makes you feel the pain or longing being expressed.
Now, let me give you an example. Picture a lonely bird sitting on a branch, singing its song. But rather than a joyful melody, the bird's song is filled with a plaintive tone. It's as if the bird is pouring out its sorrows through its song, and you can't help but feel a pang of sadness as you listen. That's the power of a plaintive sound or voice - it arouses strong feelings of sympathy and understanding in the listener.
But that's not the only meaning of plaintive. It can also describe something that is expressed or done in a way that seeks pity or sympathy from others. It's like when someone is talking about their problems or difficulties, not to find a solution, but purely to gain the sympathy or attention of others. In this case, the person's words or actions have a plaintive quality because they are meant to evoke a sense of pity or sympathy in those who hear or see them.
So, to summarize, plaintive refers to a sound or a voice that has a sad, mournful, or wailing quality to it, stirring up deep emotions in the listener. It can also describe something that seeks pity or sympathy from others, like expressing one's problems or difficulties just to gain attention rather than finding a solution. Remember, whenever you come across the word "plaintive," think of a sound or a voice that speaks to your emotions and makes you feel the pain or longing being expressed.
Revised and Fact checked by Michael Davis on 2023-10-29 21:05:23
Plaintive In a sentece
Learn how to use Plaintive inside a sentece
- The little girl had lost her teddy bear and she let out a plaintive cry, hoping someone would help her find it.
- As the dog sat outside the closed door, it let out a plaintive whimper, wanting to be let back inside the house.
- The old man sat alone on the park bench, wearing a wrinkled suit and a plaintive expression on his face.
- In the quiet night, the sound of a lone saxophone playing a plaintive melody could be heard from the nearby jazz club.
- As the rain poured down outside, the sound of the dripping water became a plaintive reminder of the leaky roof.
Plaintive Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Plaintive Similar Words
Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.