Meaning & use
plaintively
Last updated
In a sad, mournful, or complaining manner.
See it in a sentence
The violin's melody rose plaintively over the quiet hall.
"Why does no one ever visit?" she asked plaintively.
A note on using this word
Comes from 'plaintive,' related to 'plaint' and 'complaint'; it suggests a wistful or pleading sadness rather than loud grief.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
cheerfullyjoyfully
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